Taiyuan's Zhonglou Street is a famous tourist attraction providing cultural, commercial, and tourism experiences. [Photo/Shanxi Evening News]

The winners of the 2025 Asia Urban Renewal Awards (AURA) were announced on Sept 5. Zhonglou Street historical and cultural city block restoration (reconstruction) and protection project in Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi province, won the "Urban Renewal Architectural Design Gold Award".

Nearly 300 projects were submitted to the awards by more than 150 organizations, both domestic and international. After project collection, preliminary review, and final review, and under the strict evaluation of 27 professional judges, Taiyuan's project stood out.

The judges commented that the project combines traditional and modern design techniques to preserve the style of ancient buildings while giving them new vitality, ensuring that the overall styles of the renovated buildings remain in harmony.

The project plan involved years of research, design, and implementation, forming an influential commercial landmark, shaping an immersive pedestrian environment, and offering a unique urban experience.

The project covers a total planned area of 159,200 square meters. It was constructed in two phases, adhering to the design principles of "protection, restoration, and activation". The project promoted transformation in six aspects: spatial structure, landscape attractions, business formats, smart management, integration of culture, commerce and tourism, and infrastructure, creating a high-quality block where history and modernity complement each other.