Heatherwick Studio has launched the Xi’an Centre Culture Business District (CCBD), a 155,000-square-meter development honoring the city’s rich history of craftsmanship and ceramics. Located south of Xi’an’s historic center, between the Temple of Heaven ruins and the Shaanxi TV Tower, the district integrates retail, green spaces, and cultural landmarks into a modern urban landscape.
The architecture draws inspiration from Xi’an’s renowned Terracotta Army, featuring over 100,000 handcrafted ceramic tiles on facades, columns, and beams. Collaborating with local artisans, the studio developed unique glazes through 2,000 experiments, adding a tactile quality that connects visitors to the city’s heritage.
At its heart stands the Xi’an Tree, a 57-meter vertical park with 56 cascading terraces inspired by Silk Road biomes. Offering panoramic views, the tree anchors a vibrant central plaza surrounded by interconnected rooftops and terraces.
Founder Thomas Heatherwick described the district as a “joyful and contemporary” reimagining of Xi’an’s history, creating public spaces for gathering and exploration. The design celebrates human-scale experiences, incorporating intricate ceramic planters, soft paving stones, and hand-carved timber.
The CCBD redefines urban development by blending tradition with modernity, fostering a connection between residents, visitors, and the city’s storied past.
All photography by QINGYAN ZHU
