Yibin, China

Led by David P. Chen, Pelli Clarke & Partners, in collaboration with Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute, have won an international design competition for the comprehensive master plan of the new Yibin High-Speed Rail Station Gateway Development in China.

The project, for Yibin City and Transportation Construction Investment Group Co., Ltd., explores innovative solutions to complex local conditions, paying respect to the local culture, and skillfully integrating the unique geographical context, the design is future-forward and contributes to the development of Yibin from a layover station to a prominent urban destination. 

A historically significant part of the trading port on the Yangtze River will be revitalized by this new contemporary transit-oriented development on the high-speed railway.

Yibin is located in the southeastern region of Sichuan Province in China where the Jingsha and Min rivers come together to form the Yangtze Rivers. 

Whereas the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers were the lifelines in China’s development historically, the vast network of high-speed rail has replaced these waterways in China today. 

Two new high-speed rail lines are planned to intersect in Yibin. 

With this development, the city will become the crossroad between four major urban centers in Western China and a highly important transportation hub in the region.

Drawing from practical experience with many well-known transit-oriented-development projects in the U.S. and internationally, the winning scheme by Pelli Clarke & Partners was the result of multiple rounds of in-depth analysis into the unique physical context, economic circumstances, and development history of Yibin City. 

The inspiration came from two unique aspects of Yibin’s environment. 

The theme of the design entitled “Bamboo Ode” referred to the well-known bamboo forest nearby, and echoes the virtues of interconnectivity, resilience, and adaptability associated with the bamboo plant and its rhizomatic root system. 

In addition, the central park design aims to preserve and integrate Yibin’s unique topographic structure, the spectacular, world-class karst landforms created by the Yangtze River tributaries. 

By these considerations, the master plan design is uniquely conceived and seamlessly tailored to Yibin’s past, present and future.

The central showcase of the development is a fully integrated, multi-layered green park with a collection of multi-functional pavilions. 

Conforming to the spectacular karst topography created by the Yangtze River tributaries, a central park creates an undulating landform integrating flexible workplaces within an ecologically sustainable environment. 

The central park provides a restful and playful environment for local residents and tourists, and the park’s architectural focus is a cultural museum, designed to showcase Yibin’s long history and rich heritage of ancient poetry. 

Traditionally, a major civic plaza occupies the space in front of the train station in dense urban cities. In the case of Yibin Station, which is located away from the city center, the concept is to create the density and intensity of a vital urban context. 

The analysis of the long-term economic viability of transit-based developments, a certain level of economic activity, and urban density is the critical factor. 

A state-of-the-art shopping center becomes the necessary seed for sustainable economic growth, and the best program to serve the visitors arriving through high-speed rail as well as the daily needs of the growing neighborhood. 

In addition, the access and flow of visitors from the train station to the development by way of the shopping complex is greatly enhanced with a re-design of the traffic flow around the station. 

Arriving passengers can easily access and enjoy the new development without any traffic barriers, making this a truly desirable destination.

The concept for Yibin Station is to create the density and intensity of a vital urban context. 

A state-of-the-art shopping center becomes the necessary seed for sustainable economic growth. 

It will serve the visitors arriving through high-speed rail as well as the daily needs of the growing neighborhood. 

Other planned functions adjacent to the new train station are hotels and serviced apartments that provide support and needed amenities in the newly formed urban center. 

Extending from the hotel to the south, the residential towers with green facade design complement the central core area with necessary living accommodations for the anticipated growth of population and an enhanced sense of recognition of the place with long-term residents.

Many areas preserve the existing Karst landform with multi-level commercial spaces that are fully integrated with the landscape and greenery.

The tower blocks around the central park exhibit a unique design based on Yibin’s bamboo forests. 

Arriving at the station, visitors will see towers framing the central park with the government center in the distance to covey the profound experience of Yibin’s “bamboo culture” at the moment of arrival. 

Functionally, the office and residential towers fulfill the anticipated demands of established and newly formed companies in emerging industries to participate in the establishment of this new center for Yibin.

The In-Depth Urban Design of the Gateway Area of The Yibin High-Speed Railway Hub, jointly designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners and SADI, explores the multiple dimensions of the sustainable urban development plan by adopting innovative solutions to complex local conditions, pays respect to local culture, and skillfully integrates the unique geographical context. 

The design is future-forward, contributing to the development of Yibin and ushering in a new chapter in the urban design approach. 

The fully integrated design interprets the bright future of Yibin as a next-generation science and innovation city and a popular urban destination.

The completion date is scheduled for 2025.

Project: Yibin High-Speed Rail Station Gateway Development
Architects: Pelli Clarke & Partners
Design Team: David P. Chen, Tony Wu, Yizhen Wang, Chen Xiang, Shangfeng Rao, and John Zheng
Architect of Record: Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. (SIADR)
Client: Yibin City and Transportation Construction Investment Group Co., Ltd.