The Yangtze River International Conference Center stands as a world-class global connectivity hub and a key asset in Nanjing’s westward expansion across the Yangtze River toward the new urban center in Jiangbei. Situated within China’s eastern coastal urban belt and at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Jiangbei New District in Nanjing has emerged as a new global business center in recent years. As the flagship project at the core of this district, the Yangtze River International Conference Center was designed by Morphosis Architectural Firm, commissioned by Jiangbei New District, with the goal of creating a world-class venue for conferences and large-scale events while highlighting Nanjing’s commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable development.
Located adjacent to the Yangtze River, the conference center’s design seamlessly integrates architecture, landscaping, and flow planning, reflecting the geographical and cultural essence of Nanjing’s Tongjiang Dahai and Tianxia Cultural Hub. It complements the vibrant commercial scene of Jiangbei New District and the rich historical heritage of Gulou District.
The center is more than just a namesake of the Yangtze River; its design concept and architectural form draw inspiration directly from the river itself. As a vital transportation artery in China’s lower Yangtze region, the river has historically driven the development of Nanjing, the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties. Similarly, the conference center serves as the permanent venue for the Cross Strait Entrepreneurs Summit, establishing a bridge between Jiangbei New Area and the world, fostering regional growth and global exchanges.
The building’s architectural form features an undulating podium that mirrors the layered waves of the Yangtze River, while its shimmering titanium roof reflects the sparkling surface of the water. The tall, expansive tower resembles a traditional Chinese sailboat navigating the river, symbolizing the spirit of setting sail, casting shadows, and braving the winds and waves.
The podium offers over 36,000 square meters of conference space, organized by functional zoning. The tower houses a hotel featuring 340 rooms with river views. The expansive conference area within the podium is constructed using steel frames and rectangular trusses, forming a variety of conference and exhibition spaces of different sizes arranged around a central arcade. A 200-meter-long east-west central corridor divides the podium into north and south wings. Pedestrian bridges crisscross this corridor, creating a transportation hub that connects the VIP entrance and the hotel tower. A large skylight floods the entrance and atrium with natural light, allowing visitors to look up toward the tower. The building’s interior and exterior share the same metal skin, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces and shaping a unique, smooth spatial curve.
To harmonize with the dual urban textures of Jiangbei and the Yangtze River waterfront, the conference center’s exterior combines urban architectural features with flowing, wavy curves. The tower’s north-facing side, oriented toward the city, uses a metal shading system made of anodized aluminum panels, creating a dynamic effect: during the day, the metal curtain wall provides shade and enhances energy efficiency; at night, an integrated lighting system illuminates the facade, giving the building a distinctive appearance. The south-facing side, overlooking the Yangtze River, features a winding, undulating facade that echoes the natural riverbank scenery. This curtain wall consists of over 90,000 specially crafted anodized aluminum panels and glass.
The landscape design follows the “sponge city” principle, focusing on environmentally responsible runoff management—especially vital for this riverside site. Thanks to its high-performance curtain wall and eco-friendly landscaping, the Yangtze River International Conference Center has earned China’s highest green building certification, the “Three Star” rating under the China Green Building Evaluation system.
Project Drawings
Floor Plan
Plan 2
Plan 3
Northeast Elevation
Northwest Elevation
Southeast Elevation
Southwest Elevation
Sectional View
Project Information
Location: Nanjing, China
Owner: Nanjing Jiangbei Public Works Construction Center
Venue Area: 87,400 square meters
Building Area: 187,200 square meters
Project Type: Government Office, Commercial, Conference, Exhibition, Hotel
Building Use: Large exhibition and conference spaces, hotels, supporting facilities, offices
Design Period: 2018–2020
Construction Period: 2019–2021
Green Building Rating: China Green Building Three Star Certification (highest level)
Above Ground Volume: 132,700 square meters; Total Height: 157 meters
Underground Volume: 54,450 square meters; Total Height: 7.5 meters
Exhibition Space: 9,000 square meters
Main Conference Hall: 3,000 square meters
Main Banquet Hall: 2,700 square meters
Titanium Roof Area: 50,000 square meters
Longest Single Truss: 130 meters
Maximum Span: 72 meters
Total Steel Used: 46,000 tons
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