Abstract：This paper presents the methods and findings of a design research studio conducted in 2023 by the English Master
Program in Architecture at Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture. The studio aimed to explore alternative strategies
for developing China’s hinterland, with a focus on the Wanxiang Mountain area in Lishui, Zhejiang Province.
By integrating urban and architectural considerations, the study highlights the shortcomings of conventional planning
approaches and emphasizes the need for sustainable, context-sensitive development practices in sensitive ecological
and cultural contexts in China’s hinterland. The research involved a multidisciplinary collaboration among professors
and students from diverse backgrounds, employing comparative case study methodology, big data analysis, and field
investigations. The studio produced a comprehensive design proposal that advocates for environmental protection,
cultural preservation, and the enhancement of community spaces. The paper concludes by encouraging stakeholders to
adopt holistic and responsible development methods that promote harmonious urban-rural integration, informed decision-
making, and innovative design strategies suited for a more equitable and sustainable future in hinterland scenarios.
