Historic Preservation in Fast-Changing Cities – Case Study of the Hankow Historic Concession District

Abstract

China’s rapid urbanisation since the 1979 reforms has placed significant pressure on historic districts, as new construction is often prioritised as a symbol of modern development and political achievement. This paper examines the case of the Hankow historic concession district in Wuhan, which originated under Western influence between 1861 and 1898 but also embodies traditional Chinese cultural values. Urban growth has created tensions between residents’ demands for improved living conditions and authorities’ goals of maximising land value. In the last decade, however, the district has gained recognition for both its cultural and economic value. Preservation efforts have included legal protection of listed buildings, conservation of three dense blocks of heritage assets, and designation of Hankow as one of four urban historic preservation districts. Developers now integrate old and new structures for both cultural and commercial benefit, while public and small enterprises contribute to building restoration. The study concludes that historic preservation and development are becoming more balanced in Hankow, demonstrating the need for cooperation between public and private actors to revitalise historic districts in rapidly changing urban contexts.