Nujiang River 72 Canyon Scenic Area / Archermit

Architects: Archermit
Area: 800 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: ChillShine Studio
Lead Architect: Youcai Pan
Design Director: Zhe Yang (Partner)
Technical Director: Ren Zhen Chen (Partner)
Design Team: Yu Zhao, Wenshuang Wang, Xiangxin Ge, Jincheng Guo, Xinyue Liu
Construction Drawing Design: Chengdu Sinayulian Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Architecture Team: Mei Wang, Kan Wang, Ming Lei, Shankun Liao, Xupeng Ma, Xingqi Hao
Structural Team: Xiaobo Wang, Zhigang Deng, Xu Du, Pengze Qu, Tao Yang
Electrical Team: Zhongkai Mo, Yuliang Fu
Water Supply and Drainage Team: Genqiu Liu, Li Wu
Facade Team: Gang Li, Shiyao Song
Wind Resistance Test Research: Wind Engineering Test Research Center of Southwest Jiaotong University, Professor Haili Liao’s Team
Steel Structure Construction Process Simulation: Protective Structure Research Center of Southwest Jiaotong University, Professor Zhixiang Yu’s Team
Tmd Damper Design and Construction: Chengdu Isolation Technology Co., Ltd. Amusement Facilities Company: Xinxiang Mingyang Scenic Area Amusement Supplies Co., Ltd.
Construction Unit: Tibet Laigu Architectural Co., Ltd.
City: Chamdo
Country: China

The Nujiang River 72 Turns Canyon Scenic Area, located in Baxu County, Tibet, near the G318 Highway’s most perilous stretch, honors the legacy of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, known as “China’s Scenic Avenue.” Its centerpiece is a glass viewing platform perched 130 meters above the Nujiang Canyon, inspired by the road’s ‘hairpin turns.’ The 37-meter steel truss structure features a transparent glass floor for a thrilling high-altitude experience, using weather-resistant Tibetan red steel to blend durability with cultural relevance. Additional attractions, including a zipline, suspension bridges, and a cliffside restaurant, create an immersive experience. Encouraging travelers to embrace the spirit of challenge, the project transforms the journey into a personal adventure and establishes a new landmark for Tibet.

Nujiang river 72 canyon scenic area / archermit

Every child who dreams of Tibet envisions the G318 Highway. Known as “China’s Scenic Avenue,” the Sichuan-Tibet Highway has long been considered a sacred route for travelers. Approximately 200 kilometers beyond the junction of the southern and northern Sichuan-Tibet routes between Chengdu and Lhasa lies the journey’s most breathtaking section. Renowned landmarks such as the Bangda Grassland, Nujiang Grand Canyon, Ranwu Lake, and Laigu Glacier are located in and around the small town of Baxoi in eastern Tibet.

The Nujiang River 72 Turns Canyon Scenic Area is situated in Buze Village, Baxu County, Changdu City, Tibet, approximately 48.5 kilometers from Baxoi County and 97 kilometers from Bangda Airport in Changdu. This region features the most dangerous section of the G318 Highway, known as the ‘Heavenly Road 72 Turns,’ alongside the Nujiang Grand Canyon. The design, construction, and envisioned visitor experiences of the Nujiang River 72 Turns Canyon Scenic Area reflect a spirit of immense challenge and honor the remarkable achievements of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. The design draws all its inspiration from this extraordinary scenic route.

The high-altitude glass viewing platform is the centerpiece of the project, drawing inspiration from the iconic ‘hairpin turn’ road layout of the Nujiang River 72 Turns. Positioned on the cliffs of the Nujiang Canyon with a drop exceeding 130 meters, the steel truss structure extends outward with a 37-meter single cantilever, replicating the form of a ‘hairpin turn.’

The platform’s ground is made of high-transparency safety glass, creating a “heavenly road” in the air and transforming the exhilarating driving experience of the Nujiang River 72 Turns into an extraordinary high-altitude walking experience. This design allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the majestic wild beauty and breathtaking allure of the Nujiang Canyon. The exterior utilizes weather-resistant steel plates in a Tibetan red color, reflecting the cultural significance of the region’s palette while distinctly standing out within the natural landscape.

The highly weather-resistant steel is both sturdy and durable, with its rough texture creating a dialogue and blending harmoniously with the rugged surrounding landscape. The design of additional features, such as the zipline across the Nujiang River, the Thrilling Steps Challenge Bridge, and the glass suspension bridge, is inspired by the unique construction scenes from the building of the G318 Highway. Below the glass skywalk, a cliffside restaurant, a coffee bar, and a multifunctional supermarket provide visitors with an immersive experience. The entire project is designed to be highly participatory, interactive, and challenging.

The Nujiang 72 Turns Canyon Scenic Area seeks to amplify the experience of the natural peril of the Nujiang region, embracing the concept of “seeking danger within danger” and encouraging individuals to challenge themselves. The project aspires to become a new geographic landmark for Tibet. Visitors are urged to leave the safety of their vehicles and rely on their own strength to navigate the treacherous terrain of Nujiang, transforming their journey along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway into a true warrior’s challenge.