The Huaxia Culture Exhibition Center is situated in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China. The project is divided into two main sections: the Sun and Moon Pavilion, which serves as the performance area, and the Ancient Town Exhibition Area for exhibitions. The architectural design reflects the style of the traditional villages surrounding Lanzhou.
The site lies south of Hekou Ancient Town and the Yellow River, east of the Yellow River tributary Zhuanglang River, north of a loess mountain range, and west of a traditional Lanzhou village. Surrounded by rich natural landscapes, the design thoughtfully integrates both the area’s human geography and natural scenery. Historically, Lanzhou has been a key “tea horse exchange” and trade center, serving as a national base and regional hub in various eras. It is a cultural melting pot where ethnic and cultural elements blend, nurturing new cultural developments alongside tangible and intangible heritage.
The project features a theater themed around the Sun and Moon Pavilion, creatively using the natural cultural landscape. The architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and water features, offering visitors scenic views alongside live performances. Innovative elements such as water dances and laser shows are incorporated, establishing a groundbreaking large-scale theater experience.
The building’s monumental form consists of two massive roofs joined together, covering the stage and the grandstand, respectively. A “sky eye” opening on the roof frames views of the laser show and distant mountains, making it a prominent landmark in Lanzhou. The design centers around these two areas, each sheltered under an expansive arched roof. The roof surfaces have been meticulously refined and clad in metal panels.
Given the proximity to a traditional Chinese ancient town, the theater’s exterior draws inspiration from local architecture. Traditional villages, like Guhekou Ancient Town, feature layered roof designs. The outer roof panels resemble the wings of a giant bird, rhythmically layered from top to bottom. These panels are crafted from materials with tile-like textures, while other building components use traditional local materials such as brick, wood, and rammed earth. This approach ensures the theater harmoniously integrates with the local natural and cultural environment.
Analysis Chart of the Sun Moon Pavilion
Throughout the design process, BIM technology was actively employed to optimize the relationship between building volume, materials, and spatial configuration, while addressing technical challenges. To protect the audience from cold temperatures and sandstorms, the seating area is covered by a roof. Additionally, multimedia equipment and performances require adequate shelter to minimize weather impact as well as noise and light pollution from nearby roads. The enclosed design also offers a vast projection surface, enhancing the audience’s immersive and rich viewing experience.
△ Roof model of Sun Moon Pavilion
The performances at the Sun Moon Pavilion deliver breathtaking visual experiences centered on the theme of Pangu creating the world, unfolding a profound legend infused with Chinese cultural elements. Utilizing modern technologies and artistic formats such as audio, video, lasers, animation, fountains, flames, and fireworks, the shows blend technology, culture, art, and creativity to offer audiences a spectacular audio-visual feast.
Technically, the performances integrate lasers, flames, and fireworks, with stage equipment both submerged underwater and suspended from the roof to create dynamic effects. The equipment is advanced and water-resistant for extended use. Multiple control rooms around the stage, stands, and venue provide comprehensive technical support. Openings above the pool and stage allow for the operation of water, light, and fireworks effects, while also providing glimpses of the surrounding mountains, connecting the audience to the natural setting—an intentional design feature.
Lanzhou, known as a pilgrimage site for Yellow River culture, a gateway to northwest tourism, and an emerging hub for urban leisure, is crafting a visual experience aimed at young people, children, and a broad audience. The Sun Moon Pavilion’s architecture and exhibitions combine Lanzhou’s local culture with traditional Chinese elements, presenting a large-scale performance that fuses ancient and modern influences from China and abroad.
At the technical level, BIM technology merges with traditional architectural drawing methods, civil engineering integrates with steel structure design, and Chinese architectural and engineering practices are combined with foreign projection and spatial design technologies. Contemporary design elements create a distinctive regional identity, enhancing the city’s artistic appeal. Together with the surrounding exhibition areas, the Sun Moon Pavilion forms a comprehensive entertainment complex that hosts themed exhibitions and cultural events.
Design Drawings
△ Hand-drawn sketch of Sun Moon Pavilion
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Performing Arts Architecture, Exhibition Center, Cultural Center
Location: Lanzhou, China
Architectural Firms: ECA2, Qingdao Tengyuan Design Firm
Area: 23,000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographers: Wang Kai, Julien Panie, Christophe Bernard
Project Directors: Zhao Guangjun, Jean-Christophe Canizares (ECA2)
Project Managers: Li Xiaohong, Yang Long
Scheme Design: Chi Chengcheng (ECA2), Elodie Betoulaud (ECA2), Chang Zhenhua, Cai Meng, Li Dongyan, Li Kailin
Architectural Design: Yin Huiying, Chang Zhenhua, Li Kailin, Zheng Ziming
Structural Design: Jing Yanqing, Liu Fuxiao, Yang Zhixin, Tian Shihao, Zhou Kui
Steel Structure Design: Jing Yanqing, Li Qiang, Ji Jianmeng, Sun Dongmiao, Yu Yousheng
Water Supply and Drainage Design: Li Shihui, Lian Jie, Wu Xiangjie, Yang Honglun, Cao Siwen, Francois Thorel (ECA2)
Electrical Design: Xiong Yulin, Ju Yuanming, Clement Rabreaud (ECA2)
HVAC Design: Ren Wanhui, Hui Xiang, Liang Bin, Thibaut Jamin (ECA2)
Interior Design: Sun Qingshan, Song Qitao, Lan Qing, Li Zhichao, Zhan Liwen, Zhou Yunlong, Feng Qirong, Yu Xin
Landscape Design: Yi Jiang, Wang Zhongwei, Zhang Lingling
Curtain Wall and BIM Design: Wang Wei, Li Ying, Wang Jianqiang
Intelligent Design: Wu Lei, Li Shuwen, Quentin Carlier (ECA2), Ken Lo (ECA2)
Night Lighting Design: Liu Yunyun, Tao Bo, Cao Huifang, Sun Huiping
Municipal Design: Li Shihui, Lian Jie, Wu Xiangjie, Yang Honglun
Cost Control and Project Management: Qin Chenghao, Wang Xin, Yan Peng, Emmanuelle Charotte (ECA2), Julie Cugurno (ECA2), Cui Juan, Li Ning, Gu Jiaxing, Lin Guochao, Xing Wanyue, Wu Xiaoyun, Feng Wendong, Liu Xiaoping
Project Translation: Catherine Lee, Jocelyn Zhang, Flo Shi (ECA2)
Construction: Gansu Yi’an Construction Technology Group Co., Ltd
Client: Gansu Xirong Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd
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