The latest phase of Shenzhen Bay MixC, a major new cultural and commercial destination in Shenzhen’s Houhai district, has officially opened, unveiling a landscape design by Grant Associates. Working alongside developer China Resources Land and architects The Oval Partnership Ltd, Grant Associates led the landscape design contributing to the transformation of Shenzhen’s “Silicon Valley” into a vibrant cultural hub that prioritises nature and community experiences.
At the heart of the design is the concept of lichens, unique hybrid organisms found in everyday environments. As symbols of resilience and symbiosis, lichens inspired the project’s spatial identity, shaping patterns woven into plazas, pathways, and courtyards. This design language celebrates often overlooked aspects of nature while inviting Shenzhen’s residents and visitors to experience their urban environment in new and imaginative ways.
A signature feature is the 1km-long Elevated Walkway, a bold piece of green infrastructure that has become an icon of the Shenzhen Bay MixC masterplan. Designed as both infrastructure and experience, the distinctive walkway integrates rest areas, planters and viewing decks, providing seamless connections between transport hubs, retail environments, and cultural venues. This multi-level connection blurs the boundaries between architecture and landscape, forming a continuous tapestry of landmarks and public spaces that enrich visitor experiences while enhancing connectivity across the district.
Reflecting Shenzhen’s reputation as a garden city, the planting strategy draws inspiration from the region’s natural character, capturing the city’s vibrant botanical palette and supporting urban biodiversity. At night, the walkway comes alive with dynamic lighting and digital displays, transforming into a platform for fashion shows, sculpture exhibitions, and cultural events, reinforcing Shenzhen Bay MixC as a new civic and cultural landmark. Guided by a commitment to ecology and imagination, Grant Associates works to reconnect people with nature while addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss and urbanisation.
Shenzhen Bay Mix C Phase II
Landscape Architect: Grant Associates
Client: China Resources Land
Photography: Liang Shi Yu