Well known for its satellite launching industry, Xichang is the capital of Liangshan Yi Minority Autonomous Region. It is located among the rolling mountains on the Northwestern Plateau of Sichuan. Here the tranquil Qionghai Lake mirrors the shining sun in the blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds while the bright moon sits in the black velvet sky at night. The strong flavor of Yi Minority culture and the beautiful natural scenery also bestow unique tourist resources on the area. The Xichang Yi Minority Culture & Arts Center and Torch Square are primary projects in the tourist resort planning around Qionghai and reflect an integral relationship between architecture and landscape.

At the core of the landscape is a man-made slope that surrounds the Torch Square. The Cultural Center, part of the man-made slope that surrounds the Torch Square. The Cultural Center, part of the man-made slope, is veiled within the green slope. The ring-shaped entertainment complex unfolds along the urban road. The massive “flower” wall resembles a “light filter” forming the front porch of the building complex. The traditional Yi Minority ornaments inspire the triangle-shaped design. The red, yellow and black colors of the Yi Minority costumes are translated into the language of the new building complex. The Torch Square is designed to highlight the dynamism of the fire array, and also mimics a clock, which marks the special records of astronomy and time by the Yi Minority. As a matter of fact, Xichang Culture has evolved from the astronomical worship by the ancient Yi people as well as the astronomic research at today’s satellite base. The 56 huge red sandstone columns leading to the city serve also as 56 torches during the annual Torch Festival. The Yi characters and auspicious symbols engraved on the columns seem like a group of mysterious cultural codes. A broad flower-decorated bridge on the other end guides the urban space towards the natural scenic spots along Qinghai. A flame-shaped statue in the center of the Square inverts the reflection of jumping flames in the round pond, kindling the fire & water theme of Xichang City.

Location: West bank of Qionghai, Southeast coner of Xichang city, Sichuan province
Total Floor Area: 25,389 sqm

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