We start from the declining old harbor near the train station and stroll through this once-abandoned industrial district, which in recent years has worked hard to transform itself into the most energy-efficient residential area, a cultural center suitable for both young and old, and a green space where people can relax and unwind.

Here stands the old factory of the world's major beer company AB InBev, and next door the historic De Hoorn brewery, where Mr. Artois began producing Artois beer in the 18th century, and to this day AB InBev still produces Stella Artois beer.

De Hoorn brewery was listed as cultural heritage in 1997. Several young Leuven entrepreneurs bought this dilapidated old building, and after a series of design, discussion, and renovation efforts, it reopened in 2012, becoming a mixed-use green building for banquets, conferences, restaurants, startup offices, and food retail, fully energy-efficient, using renewable energy and rainwater, and effectively managing water resources and waste. Its positioning as a creative hub and its rebirth of past civilization earned it the 2016 EU Prize for Cultural Heritage. If you have the chance to visit this representative area of sustainable projects near Leuven train station, you will absolutely admire this medieval university town's foresight in leading 21st-century world citizens, as well as its bold grassroots democracy.