Representatives from Nanjing University and Suzhou Taihu National Tourism Vocation Zone sign a cooperation agreement. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]

The School of Architecture and Urban Planning of Nanjing University (NJU), the NJU Institute of Architecture Design and Planning (ADINJU), and the Suzhou Taihu National Tourism Vocation Zone signed an agreement on Dec 9 to strengthen their cooperation on green architecture, rural vitalization, urban renewal, as well as other matters.

The university, which is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, will leverage its resources and advantages, while the zone in Suzhou, Jiangsu will offer favorable policies, government services and technical support to boost development of their cooperation projects.

An innovation and entrepreneurship base for alumni of Nanjing University in Suzhou, and a research center for carbon peak and neutrality of Nanjing University were also unveiled during the signing ceremony.

The ADINJU had launched its Suzhou branch at the tourism vocation zone in September, and the branch will undertake the design of NJU's Suzhou campus as well as other projects in the zone.

Through close cooperation with Suzhou, NJU hopes to promote the innovative development of the architecture design industry, said Zou Yajun, vice-principal of NJU.

The ADINJU had participated in a number of projects in Suzhou, such as the Sanshan Island National Wetland Park and the renewal of Zhoushan village, which is famous for fruit pit carving.