The Ligongdi Designer Labs program was launched in SIP recently. Young designers and their supervisors from the Central Academy of Fine Arts and four other higher education institutions have gathered in SIP to create works by integrating the wisdom contained in traditional gardens and contemporary public space design philosophies.

Over a month, the participants are scheduled to tour around SIP and Gusu District—where Suzhou’s old town is located—to draw inspirations from local history and culture and also interactions with local design firms for their creations. Their works will be showcased at Ligongdi Cultural and Creative Block.

In addition to fostering creative ideas, the program is an innovative try for deep integration of design education and social practices. It is expected to facilitate the fusion of garden aesthetics with modern commercial scenarios, adding to the vitality of Ligongdi Cultural and Creative Block.

September 25, 2025