On the morning of January 1, 2025, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Chenhu International Town project was held in Tonghu Street, Caidian District, Wuhan. The event, guided by Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Urban-Rural Development and People's Government of Caidian District, was sponsored by Wuhan Urban Construction Investment & Development Group Co., Ltd., and undertaken by Wuhan Chenhu Investment & Development Co., Ltd. This marks the official commencement of the project.

"Chinese path to modernization is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature." The Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has clearly defined the strategic tasks for ecological civilization construction in the new era, with an overarching goal of promoting green development and harmony between humanity and nature. During the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14), President Xi Jinping emphasized that "China will pursue a modernization of harmony between humanity and nature," and called for the "enhancement of people's well-being globally by leveraging the role of wetlands."

To thoroughly implement the comprehensive basin governance strategy outlined by the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee, the "transformation of three advantages" from the 8th Plenary Session of the 14th CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee, and the city's strategic goal of building an "International Wetland City", the study on Chenhu International Town project was launched in 2024. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee and Wuhan Municipal People's Government and with the support of Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Urban-Rural Development, the project was initiated with an international perspective. The project will, based on the Chenhu International Wetland, explore ways to transform ecological resource advantages into green development advantages, so as to create a model that integrates international value, high-level protection, and high-quality development through mutually reinforcing interaction.

Combining Wetland Conservation & Restoration with the Cultural and Tourism Industry to Promote the Transformation of Ecological Resource Advantages into Green Development Advantages

Chenhu in Caidian District, Wuhan, is blessed with unique and exceptional natural resources, where vast fields of flowers spread across the land, the endless lake stretches far and wide, and flocks of birds fly in harmony.

"The Chenhu International Town project was conceived in response to these significant national strategies." In recent years, the country has placed a strong emphasis on ecological civilization construction, development of cultural and tourism industry, health and elderly care services, rural revitalization, and the stimulation of consumer vitality. There has been an active push to enhance leisure and resort projects, as well as rural tourism. The Chenhu International Town project aims to promote the transformation of urban development models through planning, and to establish the first wetland-themed cultural and tourism wellness town in Central China. It will integrate national-level wetland conservation & restoration with the cultural and tourism industry, and promote the development of diversified sectors including wetland tourism, leisure resorts, ecological bird culture, local traditional culture, international conference exchanges, smart wellness, low-altitude economy, science popularization, and modern agriculture. The focus will be placed on building a "zero-carbon town" that combines global appeal, ecological charm, smart infrastructure, and a unique experience. This project is not only a model for the transformation of new quality productive force in Wuhan's urban planning but also a key project for Caidian District to establish its identity as an international wetland city, accelerate the transformation of ecological resource advantages into green development advantages, and advance the practical application of Chinese path to modernization in Wuhan.

Since the project's inception, the New Quality Productive Force Research Center under Wuhan Planning & Design Institute gained the strong support of Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Urban-Rural Development and People's Government of Caidian District. Following the "strategy-based planning" and "space + industry" approach, the center has gone through multiple rounds of planning and discussion. The final project and overall planning scheme for the Chenhu International Town were established, and strategic cooperation agreements and project cooperation agreements were signed between Wuhan Urban Construction Investment & Development Group Co., Ltd. and People's Government of Caidian District to jointly promote the construction of the Chenhu International Town and focus on driving green transformation and development.

Building the "International Wetland City" as a Real-World Experience Hub, Where 100,000 Migratory Birds Can be Viewed in Their Natural Habitat

The Chenhu International Town project is located in Tonghu Street in the eastern gateway to the Chenhu Wetland, with the internationally significant Chenhu Wetland and the Tonghu Provincial Wetland Park surrounding the project on both sides. Notably, the Hongbei Dike separates the wetland conservation area from the built-up town area, allowing them to rely on each other while remaining undisturbed. As a core starting area of the demonstration zone for green transformation and ecological advantage conversion around Chenhu Lake, the overall planned area is approximately 1,200 mu (about 198 acres), with phased development expected over the next 5-10 years.

"Our overall vision is to build the Chenhu International Town as the 'real-world experience hub of the International Wetland City', a first-of-its-kind initiative in China." said a project representative. The concept of the "real-world experience hub of the International Wetland City" is derived from the project's unique location and the exceptional wetland ecological resources it holds.

Chenhu Wetland was designated as an internationally important wetland in 2013. It is also a key stopover for migratory birds. Each year, about 100,000 migratory birds winter here, and the area is one of China's top five bird distribution regions. At least 10 species of national first-class protected birds live here, including the endangered Oriental White Stork, which accounts for one-eighth of the global winter population, making the wetland famous both domestically and internationally. Tonghu Provincial Wetland Park and Chenhu Wetland which are interconnected are renowned for their "thousands of acres of water meadows, the chorus of birds, and the sea of Persicaria orientalis".

Chenhu International Town is a green town that is built within the wetland, offering a unique natural landscape with the sights and sounds of migrating birds. The town, equipped with a digital exhibition hall dedicated to wetland and birdlife, will feature a physical experience center that integrates wetland sightseeing, birdwatching, and science popularization. Using advanced multimedia technology, it will provide residents and tourists with an immersive high-tech experience.

How to strike a balance between the development of "the Town" and resource conservation? The project leader explained that the construction of Chenhu International Town adhered to the principle of "protection first and development later". The town's development is strictly limited to areas outside the wetland conservation zone. Additionally, the project owner has also held multiple discussions with ornithologists, bird protection organizations, and local birdwatching groups to develop a mutually beneficial strategy that supports bird conservation, wetland cultural and tourism development, and birdwatching economy. "Not only will we avoid disrupting the natural ecosystem, but also we will actively plan and implement protective measures based on bird habits, attracting more migratory birds to rest and breed here. At the same time, we will make more efforts to promote bird protection through awareness campaigns, conferences, and educational activities, to encourage more people to join the cause of protecting and loving birds and to create a nationally renowned 'wetland rare bird' conservation and viewing destination."  

A One-Stop Experience of "Dining, Accommodation, Sightseeing, Entertainment, and Learning" by Integrating Exhibitions, Wellness, Creativity, and Comfortable Living

The overall plan for Chenhu International Town follows a "South-North Double-Island, West Garden-East Town" structure. The southern island primarily focuses on the first phase of the project, with "exhibitions" as the core link and starting point. The northern island centers on "wellness," emphasizing smart elderly care and the silver economy. The western garden aims to create a design hub and entrepreneurial base that showcases the creativity; while the eastern town focuses on "comfortable living", creating a high-quality residential environment.

The first phase of Chenhu International Town is a collaboration with world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, who is joined by prominent emerging designers and teams such as Hua Li and Xiang Nan. The ongoing first-phase project includes the conference center, the creative art space, and Ruyi Lane, along with their supporting facilities.

With the principles of "minimal intervention, minimal disturbance, minimal cost, and maximal harmony with nature", the project as a whole focuses on the concept of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, tailoring its planning and design to local conditions. While preserving the existing layout of the town and avoiding interference with the natural ecosystem, the project fully utilizes wetland, migratory bird, water, and forest resources to create a "wetland paradise" - a luxury eco-resort that integrates perfectly with nature, while driving industrial development and value transformation.

The first phase of the project is set to begin operations in the second half of 2025 and will host the Wuhan Biennale on November 1 of that year. The conference center will also serve as the permanent venue for Wuhan as "A CITY OF DESIGN PORTAL", facilitating international exchanges as part of Wuhan's integration into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

"At that time, citizens and tourists will enjoy a one-stop experience of dining, accommodation, sightseeing, entertainment, and learning." said the project leader. Leveraging local resources, Chenhu International Town will offer specialty food such as the Whole Fish Feast, Lotus Feast, Chenhu Lotus Root, and Chenhu Bighead Carp. Visitors can also purchase selenium-rich fruits and vegetables, grains, oils, and local specialties. The town will feature high-end boutique hotels with a focus on eco-luxury vacationing and water-town resources, providing guests with high-quality accommodation and wellness services. Here, visitors can enjoy birdwatching in the wetlands, stroll through flower fields, and explore landmarks such as the Biennale's permanent venue, Ru Yi Lane shopping street, Chenhu Show Theatre, and Digital Experience Pavilion. They can also participate in various activities such as camping, farm picking, outdoor exploration, and educational experiences related to wetlands and birdlife.