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Revitalising a historical cargo terminal into North China’s leading waterfront sports and tourism
destination.

Client
Hebei
Port
Sector
Office,
Renovation,
Residential,
Sports
Status
Concept
Location
Qinhuangdao,
Hebei,
China
Scope
Architecture,
Façade,
Landscape,
Masterplan
Scale
315,060
sqm

A New Leisure Harbour for Qinhuangdao

CLOU architects present the masterplan for Qinhuangdao’s Xigang Terminal, transforming a former industrial harbour into a vibrant water-focused destination. Located at the junction of the city centre and oceanfront cultural zone, the project reconnects the disused docklands to the urban fabric. The 315,060 sqm plan integrates cruise, yachting and waterfront tourism with cultural, social and sporting uses. Phased development will deliver a future-ready model for cruise-based tourism, year-round leisure, and active waterfront living in North China.

Strategic Waterfront Regeneration

Qinhuangdao, a key port city on China’s northeastern coast, is identified as a future international coastal leisure hub. Supported by national policy and regional tourism strategies, the transformation of Xigang Terminal responds to the broader ambition of integrating modern services, ecological tourism, and emerging industries. Located near the city’s international cruise hub and yachting centre, the site is currently disconnected from both the city and its coast. The design reconnects these through a phased regeneration of the terminal.

From Cargo Port to Leisure Destination

Once a premodern treaty port and later an active cargo terminal, the site holds an important place in Qinhuangdao’s maritime history. Existing port structures—such as cargo stackers, warehouses, and unloader cranes—are reused as heritage anchors. These remnants form part of a layered public realm that merges industrial memory with new programs: cruise and ferry terminals, sailing and water sports clubs, public parks, hotels and cultural facilities.

Three Phased Development Strategy

The plan is structured in three phases.

  • Phase 1: Image Building Phase introduces key tourism programs including a duty-free terminal street, cruise arrival facilities, and boutique retail.
  • Phase 2: Brand Maturity Phase consolidates the waterfront as a leisure and holiday zone, with hotels, theatres, galleries, and a library.
  • Phase 3: Brand Benefit Phase brings long-term vitality through residential and serviced apartments, office space, and creative industries.

Water Sports at the Core

A major anchor of the project is the Qinhuangdao Water Sports Centre. This multi-functional hub will house indoor and outdoor aquatic training, sailing clubs, yacht berths, rooftop sports areas, and retail facilities. The aim is to position Qinhuangdao as North China’s premier destination for marine leisure and competitions.

Year-Round Activation

To address seasonality, the project incorporates a mix of programs targeting diverse user groups—local residents, tourists, sports professionals, families, and remote workers. Social retail streets, waterfront dining, cultural venues and recurring events will ensure activity throughout the year, including during winter.

Cruise Tourism as Economic Driver

With China’s cruise sector poised for domestic growth, Xigang Terminal is envisioned as a strategic node in the Bohai Bay tourism network. The cruise arrival area acts as both gateway and destination, supporting short-term visits and extended stays.

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