This year, Hangzhou is set to unveil a cultural gem: the Rice Mill Contemporary Art Center. This vibrant hub of art, culture, and history is being created from the former Sandun Grain Administration Bureau and Rice Mill, located in Wulitang Historical Block, Sandun Town, West Lake District.

What makes the Rice Mill Contemporary Art Center special?

The Sandun Grain Administration Bureau and Rice Mill, originally established as Zhu Taihe Grain and Oil Warehouse in the late Qing Dynasty, has undergone several renovations. It has been a cherished part of the local community for generations. As part of the West Lake District’s “Two Towns and Six Blocks” revitalization initiative, this historic site is now being revitalized to preserve its cultural significance.

To reintroduce itself to the public, the public art community brand Dongchao is transforming this historical site, including seven historic buildings and surrounding structures, into the Rice Mill Contemporary Art Center. 

The art center will host more than 50 cultural and artistic organizations, including art galleries, exhibition spaces, experimental theaters, studios, dining facilities, and markets showcasing intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can expect a vibrant calendar of events, with over 200 cultural activities planned annually.

The makeover of the historic site is almost done. According a spokesperson for Sundun Town, the center has already secured leases with approximately 56% of its target tenants. This new landmark will be home to a mix of cool shops, from vintage furniture stores to upscale coffee shops and trendy convenience stores. 

The Sunset Night Market will kick off in this historic and artistic space in late October. The entire center is expected to be fully open to the public by the fourth quarter of this year.