This project is situated in the Xixian New Area, the only national-level new area in Shaanxi Province, adjacent to the Fenghe River Basin, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. The site is rich in historical relics from the Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties, as well as the Wei Bei Emperor’s Mausoleum.
The design honors the rich cultural heritage of the ancient capital of the Thirteen Dynasties by blending traditional Chinese architectural elements with contemporary characteristics. The facades primarily use heavy-textured materials such as ceramic panels and gray bricks, creating a solid and robust overall appearance.
Narrative 1 – Eight Rivers Surrounding Chang’an
Sima Xiangru, a renowned literary figure of the Western Han Dynasty, described in his famous poem “Shanglin Fu” that “the eight rivers flow in different directions, and the water in the Shanglin Garden is vast and majestic.” This poetic imagery inspired the concept of “eight rivers surrounding Chang’an.”
Located near the Fenghe Scenic Belt—one of these eight rivers—the building’s form rises higher in the west and gently slopes downward toward the east. The facade features layered setbacks and interconnected outdoor landscapes, offering users stunning views of the Fenghe River.
Narrative 2 – Dream Creation Show
The International Cultural and Creative Town serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, while also providing an immersive space that reflects the creative atmosphere. The central sunken plaza creates a strong sense of place, harmonizing with the surrounding park landscape.
Water sculptures, curved lawns, a plastic running track, wooden stages, and tree branch-shaped landscape spotlights form a dynamic visual centerpiece. This area functions as a flexible gathering space, ideal for events such as outdoor symphony concerts at night.
The stepped seating integrates seamlessly with planted vegetation pools, inviting social interaction and blending community activities into the landscape. This design fosters multiple layers of interaction between people and space, redefining the boundaries of the town’s landscape.
Narrative 3 – Maker Cube
The town’s cubic motifs draw inspiration from the popular pixel culture among today’s youth. Each small cube holds a unique position and color, acting as individual elements that combine to form countless creative worlds.
Cube blocks of varying sizes are embedded into the building facades, paired with curtain walls to craft light and shadow effects that evoke a sense of layered depth and dynamic interplay between virtual and real.
The brightly colored cubes artistically form scenic walls, while the building’s simple shapes and bold colors highlight the pixel-inspired beauty. Visitors experience a vibrant, organic energy, naturally connecting with the building’s spirited expression.
Conclusion
In today’s architectural landscape, functionality often takes precedence over value—architecture is frequently viewed merely as a space for specific activities rather than as a place shaped by human life.
This project challenges that notion by creating a layered narrative across architecture, landscape, sculpture, and signage. From the three-dimensional public spaces on various activity platforms to the small, welcoming plazas nestled between buildings and urban areas, it employs a thoughtful, immersive storytelling approach.
Users are invited to experience places that feel real or imagined, distant or boundless, through a design that unfolds slowly and positively.
Project Information
Project Name: Xixian New Area International Cultural and Creative Town
Project Type: Office
Location: Xixian New Area, Shaanxi Province
Design Firm: Zhongheng Design Group Co., Ltd
Office Website: __AI_ST_URL_0__
Lead Architects: Ge Songyun, Huang Lin, Hu Xiangming
Design Team: Ge Songyun, Huang Lin, Hu Xiangming, Zhu Xiaofang, Li Zheng, Wang Tao, Ma Tingting, Zhao Baoli, Liu Jing, Zhang Yong, Li Jun, Wang Jiecong, Wang Qiang, Chen Jing, Qiu Yue
Owner: Shaanxi Xixian Cultural Tourism Industry Group Co., Ltd
Status: Completed
Design Period: 2016
Construction Period: 2018
Land Area: 30,021.80 m²
Building Area: 120,601 m²
Photographer: Qin Wei
Author: Tang Lanke
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