▲ Entrance perspective © Zhan Changheng
▲ East roof night view perspective © Zhan Changheng
Jinghong City, the capital of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, is situated at the southern tip of the province. The region is characterized by a subtropical rainforest climate, featuring high temperatures, heavy rainfall, distinct dry and wet seasons, and long summers with no winters.
▲ Project location map © GAIA.DESIGN
▲ Project site selection © Google Earth
The Vanke Xishuangbanna Cultural Exhibition Hall is situated on Ronglin Avenue South in Jinghong City, surrounded by rolling mountains and breathtaking scenery. The site backs onto a rainforest and faces the Liusha River, with open farmland ahead and distant views of the Lancang River. The lush vegetation around the area reflects the simple beauty of the original ecology.
▲ South side night view perspective © Zhan Changheng
▲ Main entrance perspective © Zhan Changheng
▲ Western Sun Scene perspective © Zhan Changheng
Contemporary Expression of Regional Culture
The Dai people of Xishuangbanna are an ethnic group closely connected to water, often referred to as the “water people.” The culture deeply emphasizes the importance of water, influencing both local life and architecture.
Building with water is a defining element of this “water” culture. Architects have focused their design efforts on integrating this cultural essence into the exhibition hall’s construction and spatial expression.
Water is the soul of the place, shaping both the landscape and the human experience. The relationship between humans and water is central to the architectural design.
▲ Manuscripts inside the Cultural Exhibition Hall
▲ Vertical site relationship © GAIA.DESIGN
▲ Southwest aerial view © Zhan Changheng
The main building is designed in an “L” shape, complemented by three scattered single-slope buildings arranged centripetally, forming a courtyard that symbolizes “water.” Long corridors, transparent glass walls, and open spaces allow water views to penetrate the interior, recreating the dynamic hydrological nature of the site.
▲ Perspective of Japanese scenery along the West Corridor © Zhan Changheng
▲ Night view of the south corridor © Zhan Changheng
▲ Rest hall details © enjoydesign
A New Interpretation of Traditional Architecture
Xishuangbanna is known for its distinctive Chinese stilt houses, which are adapted to the region’s unique climate and terrain through elevated structures and sloped roofs. The “L”-shaped layout wraps around pedestrian walkways, responding well to the local climate. This design maximizes landscape views while creating fluid external open spaces, harmonizing with the surrounding environment.
▲ East roof night perspective © Zhan Changheng
▲ Japanese scenery perspective along the East Corridor © Zhan Changheng
▲ Japanese scenery perspective along the West Corridor © Zhan Changheng
The architects draw upon traditional influences while embracing modernity. Instead of replicating traditional residential symbols on the facade, they have abstracted and reinterpreted these elements through contemporary design language, materials, and construction techniques, creating a regional expression that is both modern and rooted in tradition.
The entire building is elevated, following the dry-railing construction style of local Dai bamboo towers. The staggered gaps promote moisture control, heat dissipation, and natural ventilation, while adapting to the site’s undulating terrain.
▲ Daytime perspective along the elevated side path © (BIM Design) Zhan Changheng
The varied slopes of the tile roofs create a dynamic spatial interface, transitioning from virtual to tangible with orderly, winding forms. This not only resonates with the pointed roofs of local bamboo towers but also echoes the surrounding mountain ridges. The design also effectively addresses the need for rapid drainage during heavy rains. This contemporary reinterpretation carefully preserves the charm and artistic spirit of traditional Dai settlements.
The extensive use of glass curtain walls and steel slant supports gives the building a modern touch, simultaneously achieving a contemporary regional architectural expression and redefining the relationship between the environment, the building, and its users.
▲ Night perspective of the West Corridor © Zhan Changheng
Remote Supervision and Quality Control
Due to the project’s remote location, selecting materials and ensuring construction quality posed significant challenges. Quality control was more demanding than initially anticipated, making remote communication and real-time inspections essential.
Combining on-site inspections with remote interventions enabled thorough quality control and faithful realization of design details.
▲ Construction progress by on-site workers © Wu Chao
▲ Construction progress by on-site workers © Wu Chao
▲ Construction progress by on-site workers © Wu Chao
▲ Nighttime site visit © Wu Chao
▲ Night view of eaves © Wu Chao
▲ West facade © enjoydesign
▲ South side corridor with Japanese scenery perspective © Zhan Changheng
▲ Slant support details © Wu Chao
▲ Rest hall details © enjoydesign
▲ Exhibition details © enjoydesign
▲ Tile roof details © Wu Chao
▲ Model photo © Wu Chao
▲ Model photo © Wu Chao
▲ General layout plan
▲ Basement floor plan
▲ First floor plan
▲ Section 1
▲ Section 2
About XAA:
XAA Architectural Design Firm was founded in 2011 by Xian Jianxiong, a renowned architect and co-founder of Guangzhou Hanhua Architectural Design Co., Ltd. The team has extensive experience in large-scale residential, office, commercial, cultural, and educational projects. Their design expertise, especially in conceptual design, is widely recognized, placing them among South China’s top design firms.
Project Overview:
- Project Name: Vanke Xishuangbanna Cultural Exhibition Hall
- Architecture Team: Zhan Tao Studio, XAA Architecture Firm
- Lead Architect: Zhan Tao
- Design Team: Tian Wang, Wang Mengyu, Wu Chao
- Location: Ronglin Avenue, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
- Floor Area: 6,500 m²
- Building Area: 1,100 m²
- Design Period: July 2018
- Completion: January 2019
- Developer: Kunming Vanke
- Structural Design: Chengdu Benchmark Fangzhong Architectural Design Co., Ltd., Kunming Branch
- Interior Design: Guangzhou Yanyutang Decoration Design Co., Ltd
- Landscape Design: GAIA Design Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd
- Photographers: Zhan Changheng, Wu Chao, Xing Zai Architectural Space Photography
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