A linear site along the river, measuring roughly 4 km. in length and varying between 300 meters to a kilometer in width was developed as an extension to the small town of Xichuan. The masterplan focuses on providing new amenities for the city that relate to its rich historical and cultural heritage, while at the same time developing a tourist infrastructure along the waterfront to generate local employment and boost its economy.

The masterplan establishes a close relationship with water, learning from the traditional chinese water towns. A simple regular grid alternates between roadways and waterways. The water systems also function as flood control catchment zones, creating wetland habitats that serve to clean the polluted water while also providing rich habitats and serving as recreational areas for locals and tourists alike. 

A linear green belt runs parallel to the river, through the centre of the site from North to South as it collects and treats stormwater and grey water. This strip is anchored at the heart of site around a lake that has been designed keeping in mind the existing topography and flood zone. The lake front acts as social heart of the town with a number of public activities strung around it such as the Museum, the Cultural Centre, the Tourist Village, Hotels, a Memorial Park, theatre, etc. Public access to the waterfront is ensured through winding pathways that connect to decks, platforms, open-air theatres and plazas thus creating a rich network of active spaces.