Bencha Ancient Town. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

The micro-renovation project of Bencha Ancient Town in Nantong, Jiangsu province, recently won the International Design Work Award of Sustainable Innovation for Living Environment in 2025.

The award was launched by the International Youth Conference on Sustainable Innovation Summit (YSS) organizing committee in partnership with the German Green Award and other international organizations.

Led by Donghe Group and Chief Designer Ren Jie, this project systematically reuses old building materials, revitalizes traditional construction techniques, and integrates modern green technologies to promote resource recycling and low-impact building practices.

It not only effectively reduces energy consumption but also maintains the unique spatial aesthetics and historical features of the ancient town.

Meanwhile, the project team invited local residents to take part in the renovation, making Bencha both a perfect travel destination and a poetic homeland.

So far, the project has been recognized as a classic example of developing the cultural economy in Jiangsu province, showing a promising future for the combination of local practice and sustainability.

This successful practice will be featured at YSS and may have the chance to be specifically recommended at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP30, in 2025.