Chengdu, found in southwest China, is the capital of Sichuan province and ranks as the fifth largest city by population. In November 2012, a significant complex was inaugurated here, featuring five office towers, apartments, shops, a hotel, restaurants, cafes, and a large public space. This area is beautifully designed with ramps, stone steps, trees, and three ponds at different heights, which also function as skylights for the six underground floors of the mall below.

The designer, Steven Holl, aimed to steer clear of the typical iconic skyscrapers, choosing instead to integrate the various structures with the existing urban environment. This approach resulted in five different entrances, each appearing as cuts on different sides of the white cement block. All pathways lead to a spacious central square, creating an artificial landscape.

Ramps connect to the three main halls within the complex. These halls were designed by prominent architects: Steven Holl designed the history pavilion, Lebbeus Woods crafted the Hall of Light, and Ai Wei Wei created the Hall of Folk Art. Although the complex is surrounded by a major road and some unattractive low-rise buildings, its unique design stands out.

If you find the modern architecture overwhelming, you can always hop on a bus and head out of the city to visit the Chengdu Panda Base. This extensive reserve is a sanctuary for the giant pandas, offering a refreshing change of pace.