Situated at the eastern foot of Helan Mountain in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, Xige Winery benefits from abundant water sources. Years of river erosion have enhanced soil permeability, while superior light and heat conditions have made this region the first in China to implement a graded winery management system.
The design philosophy of Xige Winery focuses on adapting to its local environment. Emphasizing natural growth and harmony with nature, the project uses local materials—primarily stones from Helan Mountain—as its main building material, embedding the unique character of the mountain’s eastern foothills into the architecture.
The winery is enclosed by a large circular stone wall, with a smaller inner circle forming the main entrance. Inside, functional spaces include offices, tasting rooms, production areas, oak barrel wine cellars, an organic restaurant, and hotel accommodations, covering a total area of 25,000 square meters.
The overall design combines grandeur and openness, reflecting the vastness and resilience of northwest China alongside the softness and delicacy of humanism. Production areas are designed with a calm and robust spatial form to emphasize efficiency and modernity, while leisure and sightseeing spaces offer a softer, more relaxed atmosphere, inviting visitors to connect with nature.
Inside, sustainability guides the design approach. Large quantities of Helan Mountain stone remain in their natural form to create an internal landscape. Terrazzo flooring, made from polished Helan Mountain stones, adds warmth and subtle elegance throughout the space.
Recycled pomelo wood, marked by insect patterns, is used for doors that play with light and shadow and for the ceiling structure in the reading area, mirroring the undulating shapes of Helan Mountain. Plant-dyed soft fabrics, door handles crafted from dried grapevines, and simple vintage objects contribute to the intimate, everyday atmosphere within Xige’s interior.
The courtyard, dominated by native plants, is another example of site adaptation. It preserves the natural terrain of Ningxia, featuring red willows, camel thorns, sea buckthorn, and massive Helan Mountain rocks that curve along the circular outer wall. This design tames the landscape while maintaining its raw strength.
Design Drawings
△ General Plan of Xige Winery
△ Section of Reception Center Production and Office Area
△ East-West Sectional View of the Winery
△ North-South Sectional View of the Winery
△ Profile of the Bottle Storage Workshop at the Winery Entrance
△ Production Area Workshop Facade View
△ Node Details
△ Node Details
△ Node Details
△ Node Details
Project Information
Project Type: Winery
Location: Wu Zhong, China
Architectural Design: Beijing Zhidi Youdu Architectural Design Firm
Interior Design: Chengdu Xiangwen Architecture
Area: 25,000 square meters
Year: 2019
Photographer: Shao Feng
Principal Designer: Li Wanhong
Execution Design: Ren Xiangdong
Deepening Design: Fan Wenjun
Design Guidance: Nan Jinming
Executive Assistant: Tang Liang
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up