Shanghai Meifan Sailing Port development, Chinese design competition building, China architecture images

Shanghai Meifan Sailing Port Competition

18 December 2025

Architects: Broadway Malyan

Location: Shanghai, China

images courtesy of architects practice

Shanghai Meifan Sailing Port Design Competition, China

Broadway Malyan wins international design competition for Shanghai Meifan Sailing Port development

A zero-carbon waterfront resort brings world-class hospitality, water sports, and sustainable design to the Yangtze River Delta

Shanghai / London, December 2025 – Global architecture and urbanism practice Broadway Malyan has been appointed to masterplan and lead the design of a new world class hospitality and watersports development at Shanghai’s Meifan Sailing Port. Scheduled to open in January 2029, the resort will showcase cutting-edge sustainability, establishing a new benchmark for active, ecological tourism in the Yangtze River Delta Green Demonstration Zone.

A Waterfront Masterplan Inspired by Exploration

Broadway Malyan won the commission following an international design competition, with a masterplan inspired by maritime navigation and centered on the sextant, a traditional instrument that shapes building orientation, public spaces, and the waterfront hierarchy.

The development will integrate the Yangtze River Delta International Sailing Port, a TUI sports-themed hotel cluster including Robinson’s first China flagship, TUI Blue serviced apartments, a water-sports education and training campus, an R&D headquarters with a new-energy foiling vessel centre, and a lakeside commercial village with community amenities. Located 50 kilometres from central Shanghai, the project is positioned to become a new benchmark for integrated sports, hospitality, and ecological urbanism in the region.

Designing China’s First Zero-Carbon Robinson Club

The terraced building forms of the hotel cluster maximize lake views, daylight, and natural ventilation. Sustainability is embedded at every scale, with a zero-carbon vision achieved through high-performance building envelopes, passive design strategies, renewable energy systems, and water-sensitive landscapes that enhance lake ecology and manage stormwater.

Sean Li, Principal at Broadway Malyan, said: “Designing China’s first Robinson Club allows us to merge international design excellence with ecological ambition. Our masterplan transforms the waterfront into a vibrant, climate-responsive destination that sets a new standard for active tourism.

“This development will redefine Shanghai’s relationship with its waterfront, creating a world-class centre for sailing, hospitality, and ecological community life.”

Bringing Robinson’s ‘For All’ Concept to China | The resort will introduce Robinson’s internationally renowned “For All” concept, offering premium hospitality and a full spectrum of water and outdoor sports for families, couples, and adventure-minded travellers.

Bernd Mäser, Co-CEO of TUI Hotels & Resorts, said: “With the first Robinson in the Yangtze Delta, we are bringing our premium club concept to a region committed to sustainable tourism. The club will serve an international audience seeking active, memorable experiences.”

A New Era for the Yangtze River Delta

This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in China’s tourism development. As the only non-Chinese tourism company admitted to the Yangtze River Delta Green Demonstration Zone Developers Alliance, TUI brings global expertise in sustainable destination development. Broadway Malyan’s design demonstrates how architecture can shape climate-responsive, culturally resonant, and socially engaging waterfront living.

The project establishes a flagship model for zero-carbon, active, and community-oriented tourism, setting a new standard for how people live, learn, and play alongside water in the Yangtze River Delta.