Architecture students and faculty from Shenzhen University and a professor-led team from Bauhaus University Weimar visited Gongming Old Market on March 9 to conduct field research on the preservation and redevelopment of the historic street district.

The joint study focuses on urban design strategies for the protective development of Gongming Market. Local officials from Gongming Subdistrict joined the visit and arranged for community elders to share stories about the century-old marketplace and its cultural heritage.

During the visit, the research group toured the arcade-lined streets of the district, examining building clusters first constructed in 1929 that combine Lingnan-style residential architecture with Southeast Asian influences. Architectural elements such as decorative parapets, window frames and continuous arcade corridors drew particular attention from the students.

The team later conducted on-site surveys of historic structures in the district, including preserved cultural relic sites, the former Gongming granary and a traditional pastry workshop site. Discussions focused on architectural styles, spatial layout and potential adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Local officials said Guangming District has completed restoration work on key heritage structures and launched a conservation planning initiative for the area. The collaboration with international academic institutions is expected to bring new perspectives and design concepts to the preservation and revitalization of the historic neighborhood.