Never ones to shy away from big tasks, China is also a design powerhouse in so many ways. Their appetite and capacity for construction must surely be at or near the top of the world’s countries and they bedazzle us with their ingenuity and sheer pizazz. But not all of China’s works are offices, hotels or skyscrapers. In this post, we’re focusing on a gentler, more organic structure, where Mother Nature is the star.
The Chapel of Sound was created by a Beijing-based architecture office, OPEN in 2021. It is a monolithic open-air concert hall with views of the ruins of the Ming Dynasty-era Great Wall. Chapel of Sound is a completely nature-friendly building. One of the main aims was to minimize the footprint of the concert hall in the valley. The building is built entirely from concrete that is enriched with an aggregate of local mineral-rich rocks and encompasses a semi-outdoor amphitheater, outdoor stage, viewing platforms, and a green room.
Read more here courtesy of TheMindCircle.com Some images courtesy of Archdaily.com
Budget: $$$
Typical Prices: hotel 3 nights, 2 adults US$232; flights $683,
When to go: Summer to spring
Family friendly: 4 of 5 stars
Public transportation: 2 of 5 stars
Main languages: Mandarin
English speaking: 2 of 5 stars
LGBTQ+ Equality Index rank: 45 / 100
The real thing. Stay at the Chengde Kai Ren Hua Fu Jiu Dian (Bi Shu Shan Zhuang Dian) Click here.
12go have travel options all over Asia. Click here to look and book.
Get Your Guide have things to do in Chengde. Click here to book.
A private charter between Beijing and Chengde is a nice option. Click here.