A remarkable lakeside amphitheatre in China has opened in Chengdu’s Luxelakes Eco-City, designed by AIR-CoLAB Studio in collaboration with HDEC. Called the Luhu Ring of Starlight, this sculptural, lotus-leaf-shaped pavilion is set at the heart of Vortex Park and is quickly becoming a focal point for architecture, culture, and public life in Sichuan Province.
Located on a small island within a vast man-made lake system, the amphitheatre is part of a pedestrian bridge spanning Luhu Lake and serves as a hub for gathering, performance, and quiet contemplation. Surrounded by water and accessible only by forest trail or boat, it blends architecture with nature in a truly immersive way.
Designed as a Pause Point in Nature
Lead architect Lin Zaiguo of AIR-CoLAB Studio explains that the project was designed to be a “pause point” — a reflective, engaging stop along the broader circulation path of the park. The idea was to offer a space where people could sit, observe, and connect with the landscape around them.
The seating is built into the lake bank using large concrete steps that descend toward a waterfront stage. The amphitheatre holds around 100 people and is open-air, allowing it to host everything from music performances and community readings to impromptu events and children’s play.
From the pedestrian bridge above, a small elevated walkway extends over the stage and water, providing panoramic views of the lake. At the rear of the structure, the bridge’s railing expands into a larger pavilion that offers shade and shelter from rain or wind, creating a dynamic environment that responds to both function and aesthetics.
Sculptural Architecture Using Exposed White Concrete
What sets this lakeside amphitheatre in China apart is its expressive use of white exposed concrete, a material choice that emphasizes both sculptural form and longevity. The entire structure was cast in place, with smooth surfaces that reflect daylight and create a striking contrast against the surrounding vegetation.
“The white concrete highlights the purity of the design,” says Zaiguo. “It reflects the sky, amplifies light, and offers a minimalist clarity that turns the structure into a frame for nature itself.”
The reflection of the structure in the lake, especially at night under artificial lighting, creates the illusion of a glowing ring — hence the name Ring of Starlight. The lotus leaf shape of the stage reinforces its natural symbolism while giving the design a poetic, almost dreamlike quality.
Enhancing Public Experience and Interaction
More than just a landmark, the structure was conceived as a functional part of daily park life. It supports a wide range of existing activities on Luhu Lake, including swimming, rowing, paddleboarding, and informal meetings. Families gather here for leisure, while reading groups and nature lovers find a calm, shaded spot for discussion or rest.
Its position on an island surrounded by water makes the space feel secluded without being isolated. It encourages a shift in pace — a break from urban speed into a more reflective, slower interaction with the environment.
“The architecture becomes a lens,” says Zaiguo. “When you sit on the steps and look across the lake, the stage and water come together to center your view. It turns your attention away from distraction and toward the present moment.”
A Piece of Living Architecture in Eco-City
The amphitheatre is part of Luxelakes Eco-City, a master-planned urban area of over 5.5 square kilometers in Chengdu’s Tianfu New District. The area combines high-end residences, retail spaces, and office towers with public green spaces and a vast 850-hectare lake network.
This region has become a canvas for forward-thinking architecture. Just recently, Dutch firm MVRDV revealed the LuLa Light Mall nearby — a mixed-use development with a 99-meter tower shaped by topography and light conditions.
Projects like the Luhu Ring of Starlight contribute to the district’s goal of creating environmentally conscious urbanism. By using durable materials, shaping public spaces through form and view, and integrating cultural life into natural settings, AIR-CoLAB’s design adds both depth and meaning to Luxelakes’ growing identity.
Architecture That Frames Nature
Ultimately, what makes this lakeside amphitheatre in China stand out is not just its beauty or construction, but its ability to shape experience. It transforms a small island into a destination — a stage not just for performances, but for memory, rest, and reflection.
In an age where cities are rapidly expanding, the Luhu Ring of Starlight offers a powerful reminder: sometimes the most impactful architecture doesn’t compete with nature — it collaborates with it.
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Photos: Arch-Exist
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