The headquarters library designed by Wutopia Lab for Vipshop, known as the Satori Harbor Library, is rich in symbolism and was completed in Guangzhou in November. The concept of “Chaoche” is drawn from Zhuangzi’s philosophy, representing a high level of Taoist cultivation—a state of enlightenment and clarity, akin to the sun shining everywhere. Inspired by this, Yu Ting envisioned the library as an intricate and sophisticated human world—an abstract port city. This design encourages visitors to explore and appreciate the wonders of the outside world through reading, ultimately embarking on a peaceful journey. In essence, Chaoche Bookstore is a symbolic space that stands for life and practice.
Above: The Human World (About Good Things)
Tunnel
To enter this city, you first pass through a tunnel. Located on the 18th and 19th floors of the Vipshop headquarters building, it takes time to explore and discover the space—sometimes even leading you down the wrong path. But that’s part of the experience. At the tunnel’s end, a massive noise dome emits the sound of waves, reminding you that you are actually underground. Soon, you’ll catch sight of the port and the sea.
City
Within the city lie the Shanben Room, Qin Room, Meeting Room, Salon, and Haowu Gallery. The salon is a small area designed specifically for children, where they can play, climb, and explore freely—it serves as the city’s backyard.
△ 18th Floor Plan
△ 19th Floor Plan
The 18th floor of Vipshop headquarters represents the city’s inner core. The highlight here is the Goodworks Gallery, showcasing a curated collection of Vipshop’s masterpieces. Inspired by the classic European salon, this gallery is surrounded by an impressive array of global artifacts. Within the Goodworks Gallery, various private corners invite visitors to explore. The circular window at the end of the Haowu Gallery suggests a glimpse of a future Guangzhou. Yu Ting intentionally distorts conventional perceptions of time and space in this dynamic, flickering environment.
Beyond the city lie the ports, sandbars, riverbanks, and rolling hills. These areas house the main hall, coffee corner, magazine reading zone with oversized stone-like sofas, and the key venue outside the city—the Haowu Theater. Facing south, the theater is stepped to capture sunlight, offering expansive, bright views with transparent surroundings. Instead of traditional performances, visitors watch the natural and urban transformations unfold.
Port
Through tunnels and the Haowu Corridor, you arrive at the port gate of Haowu Port. Here, a concave resting space invites you to pause. The open door leads to a new world where ships and giant red sails are visible—reminiscent of the ambitious people of Guangzhou who, centuries ago, saw red sails at the Thirteen Factories dock. A large cargo ship symbolizes hope.
The continuous bookshelves form the inner and outer walls of Haowu Port, offering views of people coming and going, boats sailing, and sunrises and sunsets from the city. Ports during the Age of Discovery symbolized wealth and the unknown. Yu Ting’s first impression of dramatic port life came from a childhood movie depicting over 10,000 cheering spectators at the Marseille port welcoming the “Pharaoh.” This emotional scene still inspires him whenever he feels uncertain.
△ North Bookshelf Axonometric Drawing
Firmament
The entire Haowu Port is embraced by continuous arches. Beneath the sky, the combination of sky, water, and city forms an abstract symphony. The Vipshop Library itself is a magnificent collection of treasures, a surreal presence within the building.
△ Facade Analysis
△ Axonometric Diagram
At the end of my suffering
There is a door
Next: Xiaoyao Tour (About Cultivation)
Purifying the Heart
Those seeking emptiness embrace a fasting mind, meaning the elimination of distractions. Reflecting this, Yu Ting preserved select fragments of worldly memories—such as flower bricks and Manchurian windows—while stripping away unnecessary colors, materials, and textures. The nearly 2,000-square-meter library is unified by a continuous gray-white and stone texture palette.
Morning Enlightenment
Haowu Port is an open city. Numerous openings in its walls allow light to stream in from multiple angles, illuminating the city fully. The scenery outside, including distant views of Guangzhou, flows inside with the light, blending together in a somewhat surreal way. Indeed, Haowu Port is a city beyond time.
See Alone
At the far end of Haowu Port’s inner city, Yu Ting created a space not originally included in the brief: the Xiaopeng Immortal Pavilion, an egg-shaped cave blending heaven and earth. Special lighting removes any sense of time and space within. There is no up or down, front or back. Standing here, visitors may feel disoriented before gradually adapting. Light flows in through the cave entrance, inviting interaction with the spirit of the cosmos.
Analysis diagram of the egg-shaped cave structure
Sitting in Oblivion
In Haowu Port, a white ship, the Haowu Boat, is docked. You can stroll to its bow and stand there. Beneath your feet, the Pearl River has quietly flowed for thousands of years. To your right, the old Thirteen Factories facade of Guangzhou gradually descends to cover the bookshelves. On the left, the grand city skyline stretches into the distance. Yet these views, though significant, feel secondary. At some point, you might forget what you intended to express—here, there is “no ancient or modern.”
Three Thousand Miles of Water Impact
Continuing to stand at the ship’s bow, you watch the red sail slowly lower behind you, waiting for the wind to rise and carry you across the sea. Whether viewed from inside or outside, the Red Sail symbolizes freedom from enslavement, carrying the vast blue sky, and journeying for ninety thousand miles.
Rising from the core of my life
A huge fountain, with a deep blue color
Projection onto the azure sea water
Easter Egg
Chaoche Bookstore marks Wutopia Lab’s first indoor project in Guangzhou and is the first of two ships designed by Yu Ting for the city. The second ship is expected next year; however, rather than carrying “good things,” it will carry devotees of the god of wine.
Project Information
Project Name: Chaoche Bookstore
Design Firm: Wutopia Lab
Lead Architect: Yu Ting
Project Architects: Guo Yuchen, Yang Siqi, Zhan Bodi
Project Manager: Pu Shengrui
Design Consultants: Beyond Architecture | STUDIO YUDA
Construction Drawing Team: Shanghai Chengyu Space Design Co., Ltd
Interior Design and Construction Drawings: Dai Yunfeng, Wu Xiaoyan, Guo Jiannu, Zhao Ruyi
Mechanical and Electrical Design: Zhang Minmin, Shi Jianglong, Kuang Jing, Zhu Busen, Hu Lei
Lighting Consultant: Zhang Chenlu
Structural Design: Yu Junfeng
Project Manager and General Coordinator: Lisa Li, Hui Liu
Construction Manager: Luo Zhiyue
Materials Used: Plaster, Terrazzo
Architectural Photography: CreatARImages
Location: Guangzhou, China
Design Date: July 10, 2019
Construction Date: October 2020
Total Area: 2,200 square meters
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