Li Hongzhang ancestral hall pond: In Nanjing, a team of university architects negotiate the complex legacy of the late Qing dynasty reformer Li Hongzhang in a subtle restoration of a lotus pond.

The article focuses on the restoration of a lotus pond at the Li Hongzhang ancestral hall in Nanjing, China, led by Architects and Engineers of Southeast University (AESEU). The project, which had a budget of CN¥ 2 million (£200,000), aims to balance the preservation of historical significance with modern urban development, reflecting on the complex legacy of Li Hongzhang, a controversial figure in Chinese history known for his role in the Self-Strengthening Movement and signing unequal treaties. The restoration includes a petal-shaped steel basin that evokes the original pond while protecting the site's archaeological integrity, and it will feature community spaces such as a bookshop and exhibition area. This initiative is part of a broader trend in China towards heritage conservation, integrating historical sites into urban life while fostering cultural confidence. [Extracted from the article]