Hosted by the Program on Chinese Cities （PCC）
10/05/2023 3:00 PM-4:30 PM
Address：300 Blackwell St #104, Durham, NC 27701
On October 5, 2023, visiting scholars and doctoral students from the China Urban Research Center (PCC) had the privilege of deeply exploring one of North Carolina’s most iconic tobacco campuses, the American Tobacco Campus (ATC), experiencing its rich history and evolving landscape. This visit, as part of the China Urban Research Center’s exchange program, offered these scholars a unique opportunity to personally experience how the tobacco campus integrates tradition with modernity.
The diverse group of visiting scholars and students participated in a comprehensive tour of the campus, with a focus on highlighting the site’s significance in the history of the American tobacco industry. The tour emphasized the campus’s transformation from a key tobacco manufacturing hub to a modern mixed-use development area prioritizing sustainability and innovation.
Scholars not only visited restored historic buildings and modernized workspaces but also learned how the campus has become a cultural and commercial hub for the local community. The transformation story of the tobacco campus sparked curiosity among the attendees, who were intrigued by how historical heritage could be transformed into a vivid example of modern innovation. This visit enhanced the scholars’ understanding of the history and culture of the American tobacco industry and promoted international academic exchange and collaboration. The visiting team expressed high admiration for how the campus successfully transitioned, combining historical heritage with modern innovation.