Nanjing Xuanwu Garden City

Once a city fringe, Nanjing’s Hongshan area is now transforming into a model for industry–city integration, driven by the rapid growth of Xuanwu New City. At the heart of this shift lies Dazhuangguan Road, a 1.6 km urban boulevard with a 45 m-wide green median, connecting the “Spectacular World” international district and forming the backbone of a vibrant lifestyle and retail cluster.

Designed by Woods Bagot, four core projects— Jiangsu Center, Xuanwu Garden City, serviced apartments, and the Zhuangguanli retail street—create the “super core” of the new Xuanwu.

Design Inspired by Nanjing, Shaped for the Future

Drawing from the century-old scientific legacy of Purple Mountain Observatory, the project fuses astronomy, nature, and technology into a forward-looking architectural language. Xuanwu Garden City embodies this vision as the flagship of Garden City·re series, designed to spark interaction between people, nature, and community.

A Breathing Commercial Landmark

Stretching 700 m along Dazhuangguan Road, the south façade is inspired by the flowing light of galaxies, shifting in appearance with time, light, and movement. A continuous B1 retail spine links all parcels, seamlessly connected to the TOD hub of Metro Lines 6 & 9 and underground parking. Multi-level “first floors” maximize brand exposure and visitor choice, breaking the traditional single-entry model.

Immersive Experiences

From a 3D LED façade at the main entrance—now a Nanjing nightscape icon—to the glass-walled “Starry Sky Garden” and vertical greenery on upper floors, the complex blends retail, leisure, and nature in one platform.

Pet- and Cycle-Friendly Urban Space

Dedicated pet access, rest zones, grooming shops, and a free shuttle to Hongshan Zoo make it a pioneer in pet-friendly retail. Cycling routes, bike parking, and rider-friendly cafés promote low-carbon lifestyles.

A Future-Ready Civic Engine

Guided by the principles of nature symbiosis, lifestyle empathy, and tech integration, Xuanwu Garden City redefines mixed-use development. It is not only a landmark of design but also a catalyst for the next decade of Nanjing’s urban life.