China's urban transformation frequently leaves foreigners gasping in front of the scale and speed of change. China's "new towns" are sprouting up in many large cities and Guangzhou is no exception. Even with Zhujiang New Town still under construction, a number of new areas are being developed, integrating modern residential housing estates, new commercial and business facilities and convenient public transportation.
North of Tianhe, the land previously occupied by the old airport is now known as Baiyun New Town. Housing communities are opening and in December G5 Mall shall become the first large shopping mall in the reclaimed area. Located near the old airport's "gate 5" and its parking lot hence the name G5 Mall strives to become a "New Tee mall".
Many international brands are showing great interest in the mall amongst which, Golden Harvest Cinema, Guangzhou Restaurant and many fashion brands. A giant wall of graffiti is also expected to be unveiled in December with artists being invited to work together on sections of the wall to create the biggest graffiti in Asia. G5 Mall also plans to hold regular cultural events, including a permanent photo exhibition related to aeronautics with photographs of the old airport.
(By Robert Wang, David Keyton)
