Cultural and Economic Activation of New Consumption Drivers | How Did Tianjin's Old Neighborhoods Break Through and Become a Hotspot for Consumption?

On a spring afternoon, sunlight spills onto the red brick walls on the east bank of the Haihe River. Walking into the Cotton 3 Creative District in Hedong District, Tianjin, a sense of historical weight washes over you. The towering old cotton warehouses stand quietly, and the distinctive “sawtooth” buildings of the old textile factory outline a rolling silhouette against the skyline. Sealed industrial memories intertwine with the current urban rhythm here.

During the Spring Festival, the Cotton 3 Creative District is decorated with lanterns and festive lights, with spring lanterns illuminating the red brick walls. Toy markets and old book markets are arranged in a staggered manner. Cultural and creative trendy toys, coffee drinks, and specialty goods are displayed in abundance, filling the industrial-style district with a strong sense of lively festivities.

On February 19, citizens participate in a Spring Festival market event at Tianjin Cotton 3 Creative District. Photo provided by interviewee.

The Cotton 3 Creative District is located on the east bank of Tianjin’s Haihe River, formed by the integration of century-old factory buildings and newly constructed riverside commercial complexes.

“In 2013, the district began a protective upgrade and renovation, systematically restoring the old factory buildings,” said Wang Ru, Deputy Secretary of the Party Branch of Tianjin Xin’an Creative Industry Investment Co., Ltd. “Cotton 3 is the most complete preserved group of Republican-era industrial relics in Tianjin. The restoration maximized the preservation of the old industrial factories, giving the entire space a rich historical charm.”

A dive shop hidden within the old factory buildings of the district continues to attract visitors. Inside, a clear, deep blue water pool lies quietly beneath towering steel beams, reflecting the jagged roof outline, blending industrial texture with modern sports style.

“Old factory spaces are large and structurally complete, making them ideal for deep-water pools,” said Li Mengxiang, owner of the Pisces Diving Center. “We chose to settle in Cotton 3 Creative District because of its unique spatial form.”

“Many young people feel ‘a world of its own’ when they come in. The century-old factory buildings are a historical mark of Tianjin’s industry, and opening a ‘trendy’ shop inside is very attractive,” Li Mengxiang added.

As a super-large city with a population of over 13 million, Tianjin regards urban renewal as a key path to building a modern, people-centered city. From old factories to old districts, a batch of “dormant resources” has been revitalized, becoming new consumption landmarks in Tianjin.

“After renewal, old districts become tangible and perceptible city memories. The historical gene continues to be passed down, injecting sustained momentum into urban consumption and innovative development,” said Xie Xindi, Associate Researcher at the Institute of Marine Economy and Port Economy, Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences.

During the Spring Festival holiday, major old districts focus on their unique features, closely aligning with cultural traditions, family reunions, shopping, and travel. They launch diverse themed activities, creating immersive and experiential consumption scenes, sparking a festive shopping boom.

“This year’s Spring Festival, under the theme ‘Happy Shopping for the New Spring, Tianjin Colorful Consumption,’ we coordinated resources across commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and health, carefully planning over 500 special activities to let citizens and tourists enjoy a new consumption experience amid the festive atmosphere,” said He Xiaoyang, Director of the Consumer Promotion Department at Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Commerce.

In the Italian Style Town of Tianjin, century-old Western-style buildings stand quietly along the streets. As night falls, soft lighting outlines the European architecture clearly. Red lanterns and Chinese knots adorn the scene, blending Eastern and Western styles. Visitors stroll along cobblestone streets, laughter echoing through the alleys, creating a warm and lively holiday atmosphere.

During the Spring Festival, the Italian Style Town launched the “European Winter Lighting” event, using artistic light installations to reshape the nighttime landscape. Zhongshu Pavilion held a “Ink Atmosphere” New Year blessing pop-up exhibition and traditional intangible cultural heritage block printing interactive experience. The First Workers’ Cultural Palace and Jincheng Weaving Workshop hosted the “New Year Manufacturing Bureau” themed activities, continuously attracting holiday visitors.

Zhao Qianqian, Deputy Director of the Tianjin Haihe Italian Style District Management Committee, said: “Based on the architectural features and historical value, the district implements differentiated functional layouts. While protecting the historical context, it introduces more participatory and experiential contemporary formats. Scene creation drives visitor flow and industry upgrades, continuously enhancing the district’s consumption vitality.”

“天津’s old district renewal demonstrates the wisdom of coexistence of old and new. By integrating models like first-store economies and nighttime economies, old districts successfully break the homogenization competition of traditional commercial circles,” said Xie Xindi.

In Tianjin’s Hebei District, the Tianmei Art District’s red brick walls and colorful glass reflect under the winter sun, showcasing artistic charm through shifting light and shadow. In the afternoon, citizens and tourists take photos at unique sculptures or visit trendy small shops to buy cultural and creative products.

“I came specifically during the holiday to browse, see exhibitions, buy cultural goods, enjoy coffee, and explore small shops. It’s been a full and rewarding experience,” said Liu Dan, a visitor from out of town.

Located in the core area of the Haihe River Cultural Tourism Belt, this old district has undergone comprehensive planning and systematic renovation, officially opening in July 2025. After more than half a year of operation, Tianmei Art District has quickly become a popular new consumption landmark in Tianjin.

“We use market-oriented operations, deploying six main formats: art spaces, art training, lifestyle, aesthetic living, social entertainment, and diverse dining, forming a development pattern of ‘scenic area, campus, district, and community’ integration,” said Jiang Dafang, Chairman of Tianjin Art and Culture Urban Renewal Industry Operation Co., Ltd. “The renewal not only reshapes the district’s spatial form but also reconstructs consumption scenes and urban vitality.”

As the century-old streets regain their brilliance, the rising popularity is not only fueled by festive fireworks but also accumulates the vitality of urban renewal and iteration. Through the integration of historical landscapes and consumption scenes, old districts continue to expand their functions and extend the living radius, injecting lasting and vibrant momentum into high-quality urban development.