{"id":518962,"date":"2026-03-12T11:06:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/518962\/"},"modified":"2026-03-12T11:06:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T11:06:11","slug":"seven-civic-projects-celebrating-chinas-cultural-heritage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/518962\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven civic projects celebrating China&#8217;s cultural heritage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>To inspire your entries to our new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/awards\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dezeen Awards<\/a> Regional Showcases, we select some of our favourite, previously shortlisted cultural and civic architecture projects in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/china\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">China<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This year, every project entered into Dezeen Awards can also be <a href=\"https:\/\/enter.dezeenawards.com\/2026\/en\/page\/home?utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=early_entry&amp;utm_id=dezaw26_ee_ed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">entered<\/a> into our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/awards\/whats-new\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Regional Showcases<\/a>, three Top 50 lists chosen by our editors that will celebrate the best projects in three regions: Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Americas (AMER).<\/p>\n<p>Have you got a cultural or civic architecture project to <a href=\"https:\/\/enter.dezeenawards.com\/2026\/en\/page\/home?utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=early_entry&amp;utm_id=dezaw26_ee_ed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">enter<\/a> into our Top 50: Asia Pacific (APAC) list?<\/p>\n<p>Find out more about our Regional Showcases <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/awards\/whats-new\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> and read on for previous standout examples of architecture projects in China that have been shortlisted in past editions of Dezeen Awards.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2304452 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-civic-and-cultural-projects-dezeen-awards_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x852.jpg\" alt=\"Chapel of Sound by Open Architecture\" width=\"2364\" height=\"2364\"   loading=\"lazy\"\/>Photo by Jonathan Leijonhufvud<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2021\/11\/05\/open-architecture-chapel-of-sound-beijing\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chapel of Sound by Open Architecture<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Located a two-hour drive from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/beijing\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Beijing<\/a>, this rock-like concert hall is nestled in a valley next to the ruins of the Great Wall of China.<\/p>\n<p>Local studio <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/open-architecture\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Open Architecture<\/a> completed the open-air structure with a series of cantilevered concrete layers, designed to resemble the craggy natural landscape.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2021\/11\/05\/open-architecture-chapel-of-sound-beijing\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about Chapel of Sound \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2304453 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-civic-and-cultural-projects-dezeen-awards_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x852.jpg\" alt=\"The Seaside Pavilion by GN Architects\" width=\"2364\" height=\"2364\"   loading=\"lazy\"\/>Photo by Liang Wenjun<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/04\/28\/gn-architects-the-seaside-pavilion\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Seaside Pavilion by GN Architects<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Perched on a former 1960s cargo pier on the island of Chaishan, this timber pavilion is topped with white leaf-like sails that sway in the wind.<\/p>\n<p>Designed as part of a government scheme to bring visibility to remote islands, GN Architects drew on the traditional presence of ancient trees at the entrances of Chinese villages.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/04\/28\/gn-architects-the-seaside-pavilion\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about The Seaside Pavilion \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2304455 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-civic-and-cultural-projects-dezeen-awards_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x852.jpg\" alt=\"AYDC Public Art Center by Atelier Xi\" width=\"2364\" height=\"2364\"   loading=\"lazy\"\/>Photo by Zhang Chao<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/11\/07\/aydc-public-art-centre-atelier-xi\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">AYDC Public Art Center by Atelier Xi<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This arts space in Guiyang comprises three stone-clad pavilions informed by local cave formations that respectively house a library, events space and an outdoor stage.<\/p>\n<p>Chinese architecture studio <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/atelier-xi\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Atelier Xi<\/a> dispersed the cultural centre across a park, intending to weave architecture with &#8220;local memory, natural rhythm and public life&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/11\/07\/aydc-public-art-centre-atelier-xi\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about AYDC Public Art Center \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2304457 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-civic-and-cultural-projects-dezeen-awards_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x852.jpg\" alt=\"Hengqin Culture and Art Complex by Atelier Apeiron\" width=\"2364\" height=\"2364\"   loading=\"lazy\"\/>Photo by Shengliang Su<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/03\/05\/atelier-apeiron-hengqin-culture-and-art-complex\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hengqin Culture and Art Complex by Atelier Apeiron<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Atelier Apeiron&#8217;s glass-clad cultural centre in Zhuhai is complete with a stepped-down terrace rooftop, from which visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the city.<\/p>\n<p>On the ground floor, three unique arches accommodate a vast library, theatre and museum, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/bamboo\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">bamboo<\/a> panelling used throughout the interior to create a sense of warmth.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/03\/05\/atelier-apeiron-hengqin-culture-and-art-complex\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about Hengqin Culture and Art Complex \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2304459 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-civic-and-cultural-projects-dezeen-awards_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x852.jpg\" alt=\"Beijing City Library by Sn\u00f8hetta\" width=\"2364\" height=\"2364\"   loading=\"lazy\"\/>Photo by Yumeng Zhu<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2024\/02\/26\/beijing-city-library-snohetta-china\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Beijing City Library by Sn\u00f8hetta<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This glass-lined library in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/beijing\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Beijing<\/a> aims to emulate a forest canopy, with towering tree-like columns featuring throughout the structure.<\/p>\n<p>International studio <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/snohetta\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sn\u00f8hetta<\/a> designed the building to evoke local landscapes, in turn creating a community space which enables visitors to connect away from their screens.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2024\/02\/26\/beijing-city-library-snohetta-china\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about Beijing City Library \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2304460 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-civic-and-cultural-projects-dezeen-awards_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x852.jpg\" alt=\"Quzhou Stadium by MAD Architects\" width=\"2364\" height=\"2364\"   loading=\"lazy\"\/>Photo by CreatAR Images<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2022\/10\/05\/mad-quzhou-stadium-worlds-largest-earth-sheltered-buildings\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Quzhou Stadium by MAD Architects<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Designed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/mad\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MAD Architects<\/a>, the swooping white canopy of this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/stadiums\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">stadium<\/a> in Quzhou appears to emerge from undulating hills.<\/p>\n<p>The half-buried 30,000 capacity stadium was conceived as &#8220;a piece of land art&#8221; which references the mountain ridge that can be viewed from the site.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2022\/10\/05\/mad-quzhou-stadium-worlds-largest-earth-sheltered-buildings\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about Quzhou Stadium \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2304461 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/china-civic-and-cultural-projects-dezeen-awards_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x852.jpg\" alt=\"Drop-Stop by Aptdotapt\" width=\"2364\" height=\"2364\"   loading=\"lazy\"\/>Photo by Aptdotapt<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/02\/19\/aptdotapt-dropstop-pavilion-china\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Drop-Stop by Aptdotapt<\/a><\/p>\n<p>This black-timber pavilion, designed by architecture studio Aptdotapt, aims to encourage hikers on Yandang Mountain in Wenzhou to pause and rest.<\/p>\n<p>The triangular structure is topped with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/tag\/stainless-steel\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">stainless steel<\/a> mirror and features reflective pools that collect rainfall, designed to create a dialogue between visitors and their surroundings.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/2025\/02\/19\/aptdotapt-dropstop-pavilion-china\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Find out more about Drop-Stop \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Enter by 25 March!<\/p>\n<p>Have you completed a similar project? Log in or <a href=\"https:\/\/enter.dezeenawards.com\/2026\/en\/page\/home?utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_medium=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=early_entry&amp;utm_id=dezaw26_ee_ed\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">create an account<\/a> via our entry platform to begin your entries. Take advantage of our discounted early entry fees and submit your projects by 23:59 London time on 25 March to save 20 per cent.<\/p>\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/awards\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> for more information about Dezeen Awards and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/awards\/subscribe\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> for the latest news. Plus you can always drop us a line at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.dezeen.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#28495f495a4c5b684c4d524d4d46064b4745\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">[email\u00a0protected]<\/a> if you have any questions.<\/p>\n<p>Dezeen Awards 2026 in partnership with Trimble<\/p>\n<p>Dezeen Awards is the ultimate accolade for architects and designers worldwide. The ninth edition of the annual awards is in partnership with global technology company <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trimble.com\/blog\/trimble\/en-US\/article\/trimble-sponsors-dezeen-awards?utm_source=trimble-website&amp;utm_medium=article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Trimble<\/a>. Through connected hardware and software solutions, Trimble helps designers to transform the way they shape spaces and buildings as well as drive productivity in the process. Trimble&#8217;s collaboration with Dezeen Awards demonstrates its ongoing commitment to inspiring and supporting creative excellence across the globe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"To inspire your entries to our new Dezeen Awards Regional Showcases, we select some of our favourite, previously&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":518963,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[228,226,227,144,229,161574,88,64879,64880,161575],"class_list":["post-518962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-arts-and-design","tag-arts","tag-arts-and-design","tag-artsanddesign","tag-china","tag-design","tag-dezeen-awards","tag-entertainment","tag-sectionall","tag-sectionarchitecture","tag-sectiondezeen-awards"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/518962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=518962"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/518962\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/518963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=518962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=518962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=518962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}