The central starting point in developing an identity for the buildings in the old town of Nanjing, China, was the city’s historical background and a desire to convey the spirit of Jinling culture. Reflecting the traditional living style of local residents, the housing blocks have been redesigned to form a multifunctional centre that would also act as a destination for international tourism. Since the most representative elements of Mendong culture are the Triassic horsehead walls, they are used as a key visual to represent the characteristic architectural form. Private seals bearing the logotype Nanjing convey the details of different aesthetic feelings.