Danxia World Heritage Gateway welcomes visitors to the core scenic area of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in northern Guizhou Province—an extraordinary Danxia landscape renowned for its magnificent red cliffs, striking peaks, and flowing streams.

The architectural design responds sensitively to the surrounding landscape, using locally sourced Danxia red stone to ensure the building blends naturally into the mountain. The material’s origin is unique: the project lies at the mountain’s base, where a river originates at the top. During the flood season, the river carries stones of various sizes downstream, where workers collect them. Owing to their porous texture and malleability, these stones are easy to cut and shape, making them ideal for construction.

Set within a V-shaped valley only six meters wide at its narrowest point, the project features a curving northern corridor that follows the river’s flow, echoing the movement of water. The southern side forms the main architectural body—seven small stone volumes equipped with rainwater collection systems, skylights, and inner courtyards with trees, creating a spatial composition that coexists harmoniously with nature. These stone boxes house facilities such as a tourist reception hall, exhibition space, and a spring tea room.

The design reinterprets the site’s natural characteristics: dense stone columns symbolize the forest, undulating roofs mirror the mountains, and the relationship with water is embodied in the rainwater harvesting system. A colored lighting scheme, together with water features and courtyard trees, creates a ritual-like and contemplative atmosphere—transforming the architecture into a gateway where nature, culture, and human perception converge.