SHANGHAI, April 17 (CNS) — Standing before the “Copper Fortress”—a massive structure welded from hundreds of thousands of tons of copper plates within Pudong’s EKA·Tianwu Park—it is nearly impossible to imagine that this was once a mere bicycle shed for a nautical instrument factory. Nearby, a towering red-brick chimney pierces the skyline, a silent witness to the roaring machinery of Shanghai’s industrial past.
Today, this site has been reimagined as an “open-air architectural museum.” Featuring over 40 distinct factory buildings, the park preserves its industrial texture while evolving into a cutting-edge consumer space. This case study in urban renewal offers more than just a path for revitalizing existing infrastructure; it provides a “Shanghai Model” for the transformation of megacities worldwide.
Preserving the Soul: A Wall That Tells a Story
The renewal of EKA·Tianwu began with a profound reverence for history. During the initial stages, Chen Guoshan, founder of the park and Chairman of Jiayun Investment, discovered an old factory wall from the 1950s. Each brick was engraved with a unique seal. “The craftsmen of that era had an incredible sense of pride and branding; they put their heart into every single brick,” Chen remarked. He immediately ordered its preservation.
In an era of high-efficiency commercial renovation, saving a non-revenue-generating wall might seem uneconomical. However, Chen believes these mottled bricks carry the collective memory of the city’s industrial heritage.
This dedication to craftsmanship wasn’t just symbolic. The renovation utilized custom ceramic bricks from Anhui that cost ten times more than standard red bricks. Despite internal pressure to cut costs, Chen insisted on quality: “To achieve the right texture and soul, the investment is worth it.”
Lao Guoling, a researcher at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, calls this wall the park’s “spiritual anchor.” She notes that successful urban renewal isn’t just about renovation, it’s about making buildings “speak” and ensuring historical continuity through every brick and tile.
“Diverse in Beauty”: Architecture as the Destination
Rarely seen in Shanghai’s commercial real estate, no two buildings in the 40-structure park are alike.
“We envisioned this as an open-air architectural museum,” Chen explained. From above, two structures in blue and white stand out—symbolizing the sea and the waves, a nod to the site’s history as a nautical instrument factory. Chen views urban renewal much like maritime exploration: “Only by pursuing high quality can you differentiate yourself in an uncertain market.”
Lao Guoling believes this “Diverse in Beauty” philosophy makes the park the perfect vessel for “non-standard commerce.” Modern Chinese consumers are increasingly moving away from monotonous “big-box” malls in favor of unique, experience-driven environments. Here, the space itself is the core attraction.
Breaking the Mold: The “First-Store” Economy
Once jokingly dismissed as a “commercial desert,” Pudong is now a booming retail frontier. In 2025 alone, Pudong attracted over 100 “first-stores” (the debut of a brand in a region), supported by aggressive government incentives.
EKA·Tianwu has leaned heavily into this trend. In 2025, the park saw its total sales surge by nearly 70% year-on-year to 451 million yuan, with annual foot traffic exceeding 10 million. These first-store brands contributed over 30% of total revenue.
Attracting top-tier brands to Pudong wasn’t always easy, given the long-standing “never cross the river” bias among high-end retailers. Chen recalls the effort to bring in Lenbach, a German dining brand. The risk paid off: during the 2026 Spring Festival, the 400-square-meter debut store achieved single-day sales of 140,000 yuan.
“We aren’t calculating short-term rent; we are building long-term value,” Chen said. “I inherited buildings with historical memory, and I want them to become new memories for the future.”
A Global “Eastern Solution”
Shanghai, as the birthplace of modern Chinese industry, has a wealth of heritage and mature experience in renewal. Pudong has provided the fertile soil for “non-standard” businesses to grow through institutional innovation and a superior business environment.
From an old factory to an architectural landmark, EKA·Tianwu proves that urban renewal isn’t about demolition—it’s about balance between inheritance and innovation. As Shanghai builds itself into an international consumption center, such practices offer a “global Eastern solution” for sustainable urban development.
As Chen Guoshan aptly put it: “History is eternal, and so is value.”
（BY Li Jiajia from CNS）
