Mo Yan once described Hangzhou’s architecture in Inside the Singing Wall as “the architecture of heaven.” In Jiangnan, cultural traditions are deeply embedded in every building’s design, serving as living symbols of history and natural evolution.
This region is also a hub for modern urban development. Countless innovative, avant-garde, poetic, and philosophical spaces stand out prominently, creating a dynamic intersection between traditional and contemporary architectural languages.
Over the past two decades, Jiangnan has become an experimental ground for international masters and a stronghold where domestic architects continue their traditions. Through these buildings, we gain insight into the city, modernity, and cultural heritage.
May offers beautiful scenery across the southern Yangtze River. Yet, places like West Lake, gardens, and the drifting boats of Disneyland often attract crowds. Fortunately, many remarkable buildings provide a quieter companionship during this wonderful season — embodying both the freedom of modern cities and the charm of traditional culture.
As in previous years, the Architecture Academy is launching a study tour. We will gather once again in Jiangnan to explore architecture, savor local cuisine, engage in educational games, and reflect while traveling.
Traveling thousands of miles offers richer insight than reading thousands of books. Instead of relying on imagination alone, we prefer to immerse ourselves by visiting different cities, experiencing the allure of design firsthand, and seeking endless inspiration. We will collaborate closely with PhD-level architectural scholars from the Old Eight Schools and frontline architects from design institutes to deeply explore the Jiangnan region. Whether you’re intrigued by regional architecture, evolving building types, or simply a passionate architecture enthusiast, this tour promises to be rewarding.
This tour includes works by seven Pritzker Architecture Prize winners, leading East China firms, and the latest projects from emerging architects both locally and internationally.
Featured sites include: Huamao Art Education Museum/Xizha; Ningbo Art Museum, Ningbo History Museum, and Wu San Fang by Wang Shu; Liangzhu Culture and Art Center by Tadao Ando; Xiaoshu Museum; Liangzhu Museum by Chipfield; Otakura by Dashe; China National Version Museum by Wang Shu; Tianmuli by Renzo Piano; Long Art Museum West Coast Museum by Liu Yichun; Oil Tank Art Center by Li Hu; West Coast Art Museum by Chipfield; Pudong Art Museum New Building by Jean Nouvel; Shanghai Library East Building by SHL Architectural Firm; Shanghai Natural History Museum by Perkins+Will; Shengsheng New Institute by Hudec+OMA; Hengji Xuhui Tiandi by Nouvel; Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art and Green Hill by Original Works.
Architecture can be complex to study, but everyone can perceive and experience it. Rasmussen, the author of Architectural Experience, wrote: “To truly experience architecture, one must observe how it is designed for a specific purpose and how it aligns with the concepts and rhythms of its era.” When immersed in architectural space, what design elements engage our senses?
Huamao Art Museum
Architect: Álvaro Siza
One magical space:
Originally a flat, endless black box, it transforms upon entry into a pure, ethereal environment.
The light pillars in the courtyard and the spiral ramp connect five levels of pristine white space, inviting visitors to ascend.
Visitors can’t resist photographing strangers across the way—and being photographed themselves.
Ningbo Museum
Architect: Wang Shu
A perspective:
As if crossing buildings that resemble mountains, the museum offers numerous “hillside” and “mountaintop” seating areas.
Many visitors voluntarily photograph these platforms, where a grand, uplifting yet serene atmosphere prevails.
Liangzhu Art Museum
Architect: Tadao Ando
A platform:
Water cascades from the sloping roof.
A triangular skylight illuminates the space with soft natural light.
Villagers sit on the stairs, gazing intently, evoking echoes of the distant Water Church.
Throughout the journey, countless such spatial surprises await. It may sound cliché, but to truly appreciate beauty, we need not only keen eyes but also a logical framework to deconstruct architectural beauty, accumulate fundamental prototypes, and articulate these spaces in the language of architects.
Don’t pigeonhole architects with rigid labels—each seeks unique solutions in diverse environments. However, by continuously categorizing and building our own architectural analysis models, we can uncover architecture’s complexities and better understand the intentions behind the work of great architects.
What do you see in Wang Shu’s architecture?
⇀ Form: Natural shapes and traditional materials
⇀ Space: A modern reinterpretation of traditional garden spaces
⇀ Order: A spatial order that is aimless yet engaging, free from hierarchical constraints
▲ Wang Shu’s Architecture and Materials
© Amateur Architecture Studio
The Chipfield Boxes
Abstract, pure, and embodying the original aspirations of modernism, these structures act as mediators between modernity and context—bridging cities and buildings alike.
▲ Chipfield Architecture Collection
© David Chipperfield Architects
Encounter more architectural masters on this journey, including Tadao Ando, OMA, Jean Nouvel, Renzo Piano, Álvaro Siza, and leading Chinese firms.
Learning comes first, games come second. Alongside exploring the poetic beauty of these buildings, we also embrace the joy of the holiday. After a day of study and travel, we gather to enjoy local cuisine.
Our seminar sessions are accompanied by fruits and melon seeds, followed by board games. As many know, architecture students excel at everything except architecture! The head of the Architecture School, a board game enthusiast known as Spark Children’s Shoes, will bring novel games to add laughter and fun to our journey.
Study Tour Highlights:
- In-depth academic seminars combined with detailed on-site inspections;
- Over 4 days, visit more than 20 modern and traditional buildings across Shanghai and Zhejiang, gaining firsthand insight into recent urban evolution and architectural experimentation in Jiangnan;
- Explore completed works by seven Pritzker Prize laureates in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, experiencing world-class design concepts and quality control;
- Study Wang Shu’s terrain-driven architecture in Ningbo and Hangzhou, witnessing the harmonious coexistence of his distinctive style with Jiangnan traditions;
- Visit prominent Chinese architectural firms to exchange ideas and understand design processes, experiencing real architectural practice;
- Guided by a team of architecture PhDs from the Old Eight Schools and senior architects providing expert on-site explanations;
- Full academic freedom with an included lecture and discussion session.
Travel Locations: Ningbo, Hangzhou, Shanghai
Meeting Time & Place: Evening of April 30, 2024, Ningbo
Travel Dates: May 1–4, 2024
Group Size: 20 participants nationwide (subject to actual registrations)
Cost: 4680 yuan per person; Early bird discount of 300 yuan available for registrations before April 15
The quoted price excludes taxes, transportation, and items not listed. It includes double room accommodation in local three-star hotels (single room upgrade available at additional cost), daily local specialty lunches, architectural explanations, salon activities, full bus service, first-class tickets to attractions, travel accident insurance, and driver tips.
Suitable For: Professionals and students in architecture, planning, landscape, interior design, and related fields, as well as enthusiasts.
Contact customer service via WeChat or phone for registration details. A pre-registration deposit of 2000 yuan is required to secure your spot (payment methods available upon inquiry).
Registration closes 7 days before departure. Early arrangement is recommended, including booking round-trip transportation in advance. Prices may increase during the May Day holiday. Please confirm travel dates and itinerary details with us before purchasing to avoid any losses. Itinerary details and instructors may adjust according to circumstances; updates will be communicated promptly. For detailed itinerary, please consult customer service.
Group discounts available: 80 RMB off per person for two participants registering together; 180 RMB off per person for groups of 3 to 5; 380 RMB off per person for groups of 6 or more. Registered participants who refer friends successfully may also enjoy corresponding discounts.
For detailed inquiries about this study tour, add customer service via WeChat:
△ Long press to scan the QR code for consultation
Add a note: [Study Tour]
△ Registration Link
Academic Lecture: An in-depth lecture and discussion will be held during the trip, lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. The topic will be chosen by the speaker based on the inspection route, followed by an open discussion.
Fees: A 2000 yuan pre-registration fee confirms your spot; the remaining balance is due on the evening of the assembly day. No additional fees will be charged during the trip. Single room upgrades require additional payment. Entrance tickets must be purchased individually; discounts available for students with valid ID, refundable within one week after the trip.
Visits: Itinerary adjustments may occur due to traffic delays or venue availability, with a maximum of three changes.
Additional Notes: The trip is confirmed regardless of the number of participants. The group size is approximately 20, subject to actual registration order. To maintain academic rigor and research quality, we strive to balance professionals and students from architecture, planning, landscape, interior design, and related fields.
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