Following a thorough renovation, Guangxingli, the largest Liyuan courtyard in Qingdao, reopened to the public as the Qingdao International Design Center on May 28.

Liyuan is a type of residential building that retains the spatial composition of Chinese quadrangles (siheyuan) with German styles. It is an important part of Qingdao's urban architecture in the early 20th century.

An aerial photo of Guangxingli, the largest Liyuan courtyard in Qingdao [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

After rounds of investigation, demonstration and planning, Qingdao's Shibei district carried out renewal plans for the architecture and built it into a design center, getting the utmost out of the architectural traits.

The Qingdao International Design Center [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

Twelve design companies have confirmed that they will open branches in Guangxingli, according to local officials, adding that the modern creative design industry will inject new vigor and vitality into the historical building.

The Design Thinking Lab at the Qingdao International Design Center [Photo/WeChat account: gh_f3e82fe3b50e]

The "comeback" of Guangxingli marks a new round of Qingdao's efforts to revive its old neighborhoods. More historical residential buildings have been transformed into modern industrial parks to build new landmarks for Qingdao.

The historical buildings are a valuable part of Qingdao's culture and image. Qingdao will push through plans to rejuvenate the old neighborhoods with modern industries, officials said.

The Industrial Design Exposition at the Qingdao International Design Center [Photo/WeChat account: gh_f3e82fe3b50e]

Offices at the Qingdao International Design Center [Photo/qingdaonews.com]

Qingdao is working to revive its old neighborhoods. [Photo/qingdaonews.com]