Changmen has been refreshed after over a month of enhancement and renovation.
Exploring the hallowed halls of the Laowannian Gold Museum nestled in the Gusu district, Suzhou, Jiangsu province, results in a mesmerizing journey through the intricate artistry of China's intangible cultural heritage. Here, amid the historic Chen Mansion in Niujia Lane, visitors are transported back in time to witness the exquisite craftsmanship of gold production, a timeless tradition that resonates with the essence of bygone eras.
Over the years, the main buildings and gardens of the mansion which date to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) have disappeared, leaving only desolate ponds, mounds and broken brick walls.
Today, the Chen Mansion has been revitalized. Magnolia and crabapple trees flourish in the courtyard, rare camellias bloom profusely, and the white walls are engraved with a hundred poems about gold.
Under an Ancient City Protection and Renewal Partner Program in Suzhou, the well-established brand Laowannian has renovated and transformed the Chen Mansion for active use.
The revitalized mansion spans over 3,200 square meters, housing three main themed exhibition areas, master workshops, gold science education spaces and other unique scenes, serving as a hub that celebrates gold culture and intangible heritage craftsmanship. The museum formally opened its doors to the public in October.
Launched in June 2023, Suzhou's Ancient City Protection and Renewal Partner Program invites socially responsible organizations and knowledgeable individuals to settle in the ancient city, focusing on suitable revitalization of old buildings within the historical city area that covers 19.2 square kilometers.
The Gusu district boasts a history spanning over 2,500 years, and holds the distinction of being China's first and only national historical and cultural city protection zone.
Gusu's Pingjiang Historic and Cultural Block is the most complete and largest historical block preserved in Suzhou. It still maintains the double chessboard layout depicted in the Pingjiang Map of the Song Dynasty (960-1127), as well as the unique charm of a southern Jiangsu water town with small bridges over flowing water and white walls with black tiles.
Within the Suzhou Ancient City Protection Zone, there are 438 cultural and controlled protection buildings, totaling a construction area of 700,000 sq m, with many structures dating to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties.
To address the funding issues for ancient city protection, Suzhou has applied for local government loans and implemented the Ancient City Protection and Renewal Partner Program.
When the renovation work of the old mansions began, Gusu started to connect and find partners for them, enabling the newly renovated mansions to enter the market and generate economic value through active use.
In the first half of 2025, the Pingjiang Historic and Cultural Block alone received 15.06 million visitors, an 11.73-percent increase compared to the previous year.
Fang Wenbang, secretary of the Party Committee of the Suzhou National Historical and Cultural City Protection Zone and Party secretary of the Gusu district, said: "Gusu emphasizes dynamic protection, highlighting the continuation of distinctive features, improving living environments, and stimulating consumption vitality, striving to promote social benefits, cultural benefits and economic benefits through urban renewal."
As of June 2025, 80 ancient building renovations have begun, with 36 houses finding "new partners" for their transformation. Many companies have become "partner subjects" in ancient city protection, participating in the revitalization of old buildings.
The 32nd Street sets an excellent example of the Partner Program. Located on the west side of Suzhou's ancient city, the area, once a concentration of official buildings in the Ming and Qing dynasties, has largely maintained its names, layouts and patterns since that time, boasting rich historical and cultural heritage while exuding the strong atmosphere of traditional Suzhou living.
The protection, renovation and revitalization of old buildings around the 32nd Street have been carried out, with the launch of the Finance Street Neighborhood project. A total of 21 ancient buildings have been introduced, promoting the construction of a financial gathering area.
So far, dozens of financial investment enterprises have registered in the 32nd Street. More financial institutions are anticipated to take root in the ancient city and join the historical and cultural city protection and renewal.
Yin Ming, chairman of Suzhou Mingcheng Group's Ancient City Investment and Construction Company, said: "Among the successful partners of the old mansions, there are century-old brands, financial and technological companies, as well as cultural tourism service institutions providing immersive experiences of Suzhou's lifestyle."
"These partners recognize the unique charm and historical value of the old mansions and strive to protect and inherit them after settling in."
Suzhou continues to explore new methods for the revitalization of old buildings. It has established one of the few independent garden management departments in the country, enacted legislation for ancient city protection, and formed the Suzhou Mingcheng Protection Group as the primary platform for historical city area protection and renewal work.
Gusu signed an agreement with the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, allocating 50 million yuan ($6.96 million) from the special lottery public welfare fund specifically for the protection and repair of ungraded immovable cultural relics.
In the past two years, Suzhou has established a protection mechanism led by the government, supported by society, participated in by the market, integrated with residents, and professionally supported.
Suzhou adheres to the principle that "use is the best protection". Through the protection and utilization of the ancient city, historical culture is actively integrated into the modern lifestyle.
Suzhou's commitment to preserving its ancient city is further exemplified by initiatives such as the Finance Street Neighborhood project centered around the 32nd Street. By introducing financial institutions and investment enterprises to the area, Suzhou is creating a vibrant financial hub within its historical and cultural city, fostering a blend of tradition and modernity.
Suzhou is breathing new life into its historic buildings while honoring their unique charm and historical value. By integrating historical culture into the fabric of modern life, Suzhou is actively preserving and celebrating its rich heritage for generations to come.
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