Hangzhou City of Science Masterplan

Located beside the Qiantang River, the masterplan draws from Hangzhou’s landscape and its role as a centre for knowledge and innovation. Organised across two areas, it creates a dense mix of destinations and public spaces that support activity throughout the day and evening.

The proposal is shaped around human-scale urban design and a strong connection to nature. It brings together technological ambition with environmental responsibility, creating a place that is accessible, liveable, and rooted in its setting.

The masterplan is structured around two complementary centres: the North Core, or Core of Innovation, and the South Core, or Core of Wisdom. Together, they include eight districts with distinct programmes for business, research, education, retail, and public life.

These districts are connected by the TechNova Urban Promenade, a winding public boulevard that links key destinations and supports an active urban experience. A wider mobility network of roads, public transport, and metro connections ensures clear access across the development.

At the centre of the proposal is an inclusive innovation community designed to attract talent, investment, and new enterprise. Incubators, workspaces, civic amenities, and waterfront destinations create the conditions for collaboration and long-term growth.

In the Core of Innovation, the existing mall and Xipu Road metro station are transformed into a lively mixed-use district of offices, retail, and public space. In the Core of Wisdom, a new urban mountain brings together research labs, education facilities, and Grade-A offices with views towards the waterfront park and Guan mountains.

The proposed 220-metre Tower of Wisdom forms a key landmark within the Science City. Bringing together offices, hospitality, retail, and a botanical garden, it is directly connected to the new metro station and strengthens Jiangnan’s link to the wider city.

Building on Hangzhou’s cultural and natural heritage, the Jiangnan City of Science supports sustainable growth while reinforcing the relationship between ecology, innovation, and economic development.