New reserve opens the gateway to ecological tourism

By Gossamer

At the doorstep to one of China’s largest cities, the new Xichong Coastal Reserve enhances the natural seaside getaway experience, protects local ecosystems and communities, whilst supporting a new ecological tourism industry for a burgeoning Chinese middle class.

The reserve protects the region’s rich biodiversity and restores historic fishing villages. 

The project’s coastal defence strategy integrates flood and typhoon mitigation innovations with landscape and architecture

In late 2018, Typhoon Manghut devastated southern China, causing billions of dollars in damage. Since then, a swathe of reconstruction projects have been underway. Despite being in a typhoon zone, popular beach destinations have approved new high density mega-developments along their beachfronts. 

The Xichong Coastal Reserve is markedly different. Mandaworks, Gossamer & Arcadis were commissioned as part of an international competition, organised by the Shenzhen Bureau of Urban Planning & Natural Resources, to create a new resilient masterplan for the reserve, one of Shenzhen’s last remaining natural coastlines. 

The site’s local economy is based on fish farming. These practices are currently intensive and polluting. Considering that people's livelihood is based on this practice full removal was not preferable. The team instead looked at ways to reconfigure spatial planning of the ponds to integrate wetlands and mangroves to clean polluted as part of a holistic farming practice.

The masterplan prioritises typhoon resistance, ecological restoration and preservation of local villages. In this way, the design reflects the broader shift within China towards sensitive development, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and genuine nature experiences. 

Xichong Coastal Reserve leads with a progressive landscape approach integrating transport, urban design, architecture, engineering and tourism strategies prioritise environmentally driven solutions to a wide range of challenges. 

Ocean pool.

The robust landscape-led framework allows for a rational development strategy that enhances the area’s biodiversity, environment and extreme weather resiliency. The project restores natural water flows by repairing eroded river corridors, wetlands and coastal mangrove habitats. This then provides a suite of tourist experiences from boardwalks, kayaking routes, bird hides and floating markets, while new flood-proof residences responds to the natural river system. 

Upgrades to existing farmland, allowing for organic agriculture, markets and teahouses are protected by surrounding mountains that create opportunities for new lookouts, bicycle trails, hiking shelters and cliff walks. 

As part of the project a full dune reconstruction will be undertaken. Illegal structures damaging the dunes will be removed and the beach will be restored to a resilient and ecological state.

The project’s coastal defence strategy introduces flood and typhoon mitigation through reinstating dune systems previously destroyed by typhoons and over-development. 

Cafes, restaurants, and changing rooms are built within the re-constructed dune-scapes , connecting with sheltered beach walks, camping areas and nature playgrounds. A new dike, hybridising modern engineering and natural coastal landscapes, present unique landscape typologies to interact with whilst protecting against flood and high seas. 

The majority of urban expansion is focused around four existing villages that are then aligned to the surrounding landscape conditions. Xigong Town; located in a quiet and serene valley is expanded along a restored stream running through the centre of town. Shagang Town; grows around new terraced orchards where local produce is grown and sold at the town markets. Hesou Town; the largest of the villages, is upgraded and a central civic street is designed to bring people from the mountains all the way to the beach via a new cable car network and trails. 

Hesou Town

Finally, Xinwu Town; located to the east, is developed around a new health and wellness retreat that overlooks the coastline. While most of new development and residents will be focused in the larger villages, scattered through the landscape is boutique accommodation for visitors and residents. The small architectural interventions respond to the forests, mountains, farmlands and rivers bringing people closer to a new, rejuvenated Xichong.