10 Bizarre Chinese Architectural Wonders: From a Mountain Church Inspired by Noah’s Ark to a Twisting Brick Space Library + Stunning Photos

From a kilometer-long museum floating in a lake to a library supported by tree-like columns, China’s contemporary architecture continues to amaze. Here are ten of the country’s most striking modern structures.

1. Zaishui Museum
Japanese architect Junya Ishigami designed a one-kilometer-long museum stretching along an artificial lake in Rizhao, Shandong Province. Parallel columns rise from the water to support a continuous concrete roof. Glass panels enclose the space, yet gaps remain to allow water to flow into the museum, creating a seamless connection with nature.

2. Sun Tower
This 50-meter-tall conical tower, located by the coast, was designed by Open Architecture. Its sea-facing side appears sliced open, revealing two interior layers: a library and an observation deck, connected by horizontal slabs.

3. Beijing City Library
Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta created a library in Beijing with a canopy-like roof perched on tree-shaped columns. Inside, terraced seating, staircases, and bookcases form a spiraling path, reflecting the region’s natural landscape.

4. UCCA Ceramics Museum
Located in Yixing, the Japanese studio Kengo Kuma and Associates designed a museum with a roof inspired by mountain peaks. Handcrafted ceramic tiles pay homage to the area’s rich ceramic heritage.

5. Mountain Church
Inspired by Noah’s Ark, this church is built on a sloping site and features four stone terraces. Its main hall rises at the front like a ship’s bow, creating an open atrium with city views. The complex also includes a library, study rooms, and conference facilities for the local community.

6. ZGC International Innovation Center
Chinese studio MAD designed this Beijing conference center with a curved, petal-like roof that shades outdoor public spaces. A green park atop the structure blends the building into its surrounding landscape.

7. Twisted Brick Library
This brick pavilion offers a versatile space for both viewing the environment and studying. Two brick hemispheres are connected by a twisted wall made of perforated steel and concrete, inspired by traditional brick architecture in certain Chinese cities.

8. Beijing Arts Center
Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Perkins&Will designed this arts complex with sloped roofs housing an opera house, theater, and concert hall. Elevated on a platform, the roof shapes echo historic grain warehouses once on the site, while its folded forms recall old boat sails and theater curtains in motion.

9. Sky Ball
Society Particular added a rooftop extension to Hisense Plaza in Qingdao, featuring an amphitheater terrace with ocean views. The floor is covered in recycled brown-orange rubber, underlaid with TPU foam for a comfortable, playful seating experience.

10. Woven Passage & Sky Ring
In Zhejiang Province, Line+ Studio designed a woven wooden tunnel and a doughnut-shaped weather balloon. The 20-meter “Woven Passage” consists of curved, interlaced wooden elements inspired by the region’s bamboo weaving tradition. Nearby, the Sky Ring balloon floats as a functional and aesthetic meteorological feature.