Yibin’s High Speed Railway Hub by Pelli Clarke & Partners is not just another example of transit infrastructure, but it also functions as an urban destination. Set in Sichuan Province, China, the project seamlessly brings together nature, culture, and movement to shape the architecture into a vibrant mixed-use hub around the city’s railway infrastructure. Aimed to function as one of the key transit-oriented developments, it transforms the experience of arrival into something more meaningful, turning Yibin into a place where people choose to stay, connect, and explore.
Situated among the lush hilly backdrop of Yibin and among the iconic Shunan Bamboo Forest, the architecture unfolds across an expansive 9 million square-foot area. The urban hub has primarily reimagined the city’s role as a vibrant urban destination. At the heart of the mixed-use architecture lies the railway station, surrounded by eight dynamic mixes of towers, a central park, a digital art museum, and lively retail spaces. Together, these elements create a place that feels inviting and bustling, where travel blends seamlessly with culture, nature, and everyday life.
Designed as a contemporary transit destination, the project responds closely to its context, shaping spaces that feel connected, flexible, vibrant, and resilient. The architecture is inspired by Yibin’s natural waterways and terrain, the hub creating walkable spaces, pedestrian-friendly environments that are people-centric. Thoughtfully planned pedestrian routes and civic amenities make it more than just a transit hub; it is a livable, human-centered district that supports the rhythm of daily life.
The hub unfolds as a layered landscape of parks and public spaces, where pathways, levels, and pavilions create a rich, walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment. Unique workspaces are woven into the undulating terrains, blending everyday life with an ecologically sensitive environment. Green roofs, planted terraces, and open-air streets mirror the layering of a forest floor, bringing nature into the heart of the city. Eight sculptural towers rising, 23 to 33 stories high, are inspired by the strength and elegance of bamboo.
The mixed-use hub comes together as a lively skyline that feels modern yet connected to its natural surroundings. At its heart, a new digital art museum stands out with a sculptural aluminum façade that doubles as a structural shell, creating expansive, column-free interiors for immersive exhibitions. Sustainability is woven throughout the project, with a smart façade that allows fresh air, filters sunlight, and reduces heat gain, alongside rain canopies and green roofs that bring nature into everyday urban life.
Yibin High-Speed Railway Station Gateway Development Project Details
Project name: Yibin High-Speed Railway Station Gateway Development
Location: Yibin, China
Architect: Pelli Clarke & Partners
Year: 2026
Photography: Zhang Chao
