Heritage Meets Contemporary Prestige in Ultra-Luxury Residential Haven By Vanke
Hong Kong, 24 Oct 2025 – Global branding and design firm Eight Partnership unveiled the brand identity for Gaofuli, an exclusive residential project developed by a joint-venture led by Vanke and Huazhou Real Estate. Positioned as a contemporary alternative to neighbouring nostalgia-themed projects, Gaofuli presents a fresh expression of shikumen living, blending quiet prestige with elevated modernity in urban residences designed for discerning elites who seek a legacy-worthy address.
Nestled along the sought-after address of Huaihai Middle Road in downtown Shanghai, Gaofuli lies at the centre of Shanghai’s five major central business districts and luxury retail hubs. Totalling an area of 37,000㎡, it comprises two distinct yet harmonious offerings—a meticulously restored collection of historic low-rise shikumen villas (traditional Shanghai-style brick houses), and a 150-metre-tall high-rise with uninterrupted views over one of Shanghai’s most storied neighbourhoods. Rising 42 storeys, the tower encompasses 126 apartments that range from 270 to 590㎡ in size.
Vanke’s residential vision finds authentic expression in the brand strategy, developed by Eight, of “Sequenced Prestige”—a layered progression of luxurious spaces enriched with cultural narratives. This foundation informed every aspect of the brand, from naming to a holistic suite of visual storytelling. The acronym GFL for GaoFuli (高福) honours the district’s longstanding legacy while adding a memorable contemporary flavour. Lanes (里) ground the villas in Shanghai’s traditional urban fabric, while Residences (云境) capture the tower’s height and elevated luxury character, evoking boundless horizons and a lofty, centuries-old perspective.
This duality extends into the visual identity, where layered motifs and structured forms reflect the balance between street and sky, nature and city, tradition and modernity. Eight identified a comprehensive visual system, starting with a clean GFL logotype that distills shikumen heritage into a refined, modern design language for an international audience. This visual tone carries through a series of mood images that further captures the transition from neighbourhood charm to lifestyle experiences, applied across print campaigns, brand communications, and digital programmes.
“We’re seeing a growing shift in taste, from ostentation to meaningful, experience-driven prestige, especially in historic neighbourhoods like this," said Chris Fjelddahl, Partner at Eight Partnership. “GFL is a testament to the idea of true prestige, where residents don’t just buy a property, but steward a piece of Shanghai’s cultural story to be passed down and continued.”
“GFL Lanes and GFL Residences form a rare duality that honours Shanghai’s heritage while elevating modern living,” added Ivy Yu, Marketing Director, Vanke Shanghai. “We are pleased to collaborate with Eight Partnership on this one-of-a-kind development, offering homes with both soul and stature.”
The exceptional nature of the Gaofuli address lies in its rarity, and simultaneously its effortless connection to the neighbourhood’s highest tier of lifestyle offerings, setting a new benchmark for ultra-luxury in Shanghai. Designed to deliver an unparalleled lifestyle, this landmark development is crafted for individuals who seek not just a home but a lasting imprint of place and time.
About Vanke
Founded in Shenzhen’s Special Economic Zone (1984), Vanke has established itself as China’s premier urban construction service provider. Underpinned by nine unbroken years on the Fortune Global 500 ranking, it serves China's key economic regions through urban residential and property services, alongside logistics, rental housing, warehousing, commercial spaces and lifestyle destinations development. Vanke’s Overseas Business Unit has presence in financial hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and more.
About Huazhou Real Estate
Founded in Shanghai in 1994, Huazhou Real Estate is a leading developer of premium residential properties with over three decades of industry experience. The company has played an active role in shaping the city’s high-end living landscape and advancing urban renewal. Notable projects include Huazhou Junting, recognised among China’s “Top Ten Luxury Residences,” and Jianye Lane in Xuhui District, a heritage conservation development integrating commercial, cultural, and leisure components. Huazhou Real Estate remains committed to creating landmark projects that combine architectural excellence, lifestyle innovation, and lasting community value.