The mountain features a small opening, as if light were shining through. Abandon the boat and enter through this narrow passage. At first, it is extremely tight, barely allowing passage. After walking a few dozen steps, a sudden enlightenment occurs. –Peach Blossom Spring Chronicles
Wutopia Lab was commissioned by Guizhou Twelve Behind Tourism Development Co., Ltd. to design a secret ark within the Little Twelve Behind Scenic Area, located in Zunyi, Guizhou. Starting at the pier of Qingxi Lake Scenic Area, visitors take a speedboat traveling 18 kilometers along the waterway. Guided by a marker stone in the water, travelers reach an entrance hidden behind a space-time fissure near Little Twelve. This entrance is narrow and filled with water, which can rise to shoulder height during the rainy season. The secret realm cannot be accessed by land, and beyond Little Twelve lies an entirely different world: a 2.8-kilometer hiking trail awaits.
01. Journey Upstream Along the River
The Secret Realm Ark serves as a relay station.
Leaving the speedboat behind, we stepped onto a temporary floating dock and passed through the narrow entrance. Surprisingly, water surrounded both ends of the passage. At the far end, a bamboo raft dock awaited us. Drifting briefly on the raft, it was the only way to proceed on foot by following the river upstream. Initially, the water was knee-high and slow-moving, but soon it deepened, reaching my waist. Each valley echoed with the soothing sound of flowing water, accompanied by a gentle, cool breeze.
After hiking 2.8 kilometers upstream, the journey was exhausting for city dwellers like me. I longed to rest and wash away the mud. At the trail’s end, a mysterious ark appeared from a distance, glowing softly like a lantern — a beacon of inspiration at the finish line.
02. Sudden Enlightenment
The Secret Realm Ark represents an otherworldly civilization.
At the end of the secret realm, surrounded by mountains, one might expect structures made of wood or stone that blend naturally with the environment. Instead, the ark surprises visitors with its unexpected material: white fabric. This choice creates a striking contrast that enhances the experience, especially after a tiring trek, offering a refreshing and memorable impression.
03. Spinning Silk and Making Cocoons
The Secret Realm Ark resembles a cocoon.
Continuing toward the translucent white structure and following the final waterway, a staircase leads up to the ark. The ark’s main functions are to provide toilets, bathrooms, and a resting platform for visitors. The bottom floor’s internal layout forms a small maze, reminiscent of ancient relics. Due to the ark’s remote location deep within the scenic area, transporting materials was challenging. The ground floor features a primitive, rough design. A spiral courtyard staircase connects to the second-floor platform, where a steel frame supports white translucent fabric, evoking the image of a silkworm cocoon. This cocoon-like form symbolizes protection and safety for the Little Twelve Secret Realm. Surrounded by these “cocoons,” visitors can climb to the roof through interwoven “silk” and gaze up at the mountains, experiencing a profound sense of calm.
04. Treeless Courtyard
The Secret Realm Ark features a treehouse without trees.
Sunlight filters through the silk fabric, illuminating the courtyard, while rainwater drips through openings above. Standing in this space, you can feel the wind and rain without the need for planting or transplanting trees. At this secluded spot behind Little Twelve, visitors become partners with nature — becoming the trees within this unique courtyard.
05. Gradually Letting Go
The Secret Realm Ark awaits a long voyage.
At the end of 2019, amid the global pandemic and numerous personal challenges, I nearly forgot the seed planted in that time. Although imperfect, this moment allowed me to forget the city’s troubles, sorrows, pain, and despair. Listening to the wind and humming softly, the secret realm ark behind Little Twelve no longer needed to bear any burdens. I lay on the deck, ready to embark on a journey.
Project Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Hand-drawn sketch
△ Exploded view
△ Generated schematic diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Little Twelve Secret Realm · Ark
Design Company: Wutopia Lab
Lead Architect: Yu Ting
Project Architect: Li Hao
Project Manager: Pu Shengrui
Design Team: Li Ziheng, Wang Ye (intern), Lin Zhihao (intern)
Construction Drawing Consultant: Shanghai Danghua Architectural Design Consulting Firm
Construction Unit: Construction Department of Guizhou Twelve Back Tourism Development Co., Ltd
Owner: Guizhou Twelve Back Tourism Development Co., Ltd
Project Address: Qingxi Lake Scenic Area, behind the Twelve Mountains, Guizhou Province
Building Area: 360 square meters
Construction Date: December 2019
Architectural Photography: CreatAR Images
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