Yibin Rail Hub Transforms into 9M sq ft Urban Destination

Apr. 30, 2026

Yibin’s rail hub is reimagined as a 9 million sq ft mixed-use destination with towers, parks and cultural spaces.

Yibin High-Speed Railway Station Gateway Development © Zhang Chao

The Yibin Rail Hub masterplan integrates transit, culture and public space into a unified urban destination.. Image: Zhang Chao

YIBIN, CHINA – Set against the lush, hilly landscape of southern Sichuan and the iconic Shunan Bamboo Forest, the Yibin High-Speed Rail Station Gateway Development presents a bold redefinition of transit-oriented design, transforming a conventional rail hub into a vibrant, mixed-use urban destination.

Spanning approximately 9 million square feet, the project places the railway station at the centre of a dynamic urban composition, surrounded by eight mixed-use towers, a central park, a digital art museum and an active retail environment. Together, these elements create a layered and immersive district where movement, culture and daily life intersect seamlessly

The Yibin Rail Hub masterplan integrates transit, culture and public space into a unified urban destination.

Image: Zhang Chao

Designed as a contemporary transit destination, the development responds closely to its natural and urban context. Inspired by Yibin’s waterways and terrain, the masterplan prioritises walkability, connectivity and a human-centric spatial experience. Pedestrian-friendly routes, civic spaces and integrated amenities elevate the scheme beyond infrastructure, positioning it as a livable and socially engaging urban environment.

Image: Zhang Chao

A defining feature of the project is its layered landscape, where parks, terraces and open-air streets create a rich, multi-level public realm. Green roofs, planted terraces and undulating pathways echo the texture of a forest floor, embedding nature into the urban fabric while enhancing environmental performance.

Sculptural towers inspired by bamboo rise above a layered landscape of parks, terraces and civic spaces.

Image: Zhang Chao

The architectural language draws heavily from the surrounding bamboo forest, with eight sculptural towers rising between 23 and 33 storeys. These structures reflect the resilience and elegance of bamboo, reinforcing a strong connection between built form and local identity.

Image: Zhang Chao

At the heart of the development, a digital art museum stands out as a cultural anchor. Defined by a sculptural aluminium façade that doubles as a structural shell, the museum enables expansive, column-free interiors designed for immersive exhibitions and contemporary programming.

Image: Zhang Chao

Sustainability is embedded throughout the project, with a smart façade system that enhances natural ventilation, filters sunlight and reduces heat gain. Rain canopies and integrated greenery further support environmental performance while contributing to a comfortable and engaging public realm.

Image: Zhang Chao

By combining transportation infrastructure with mixed-use programming, public space and ecological sensitivity, the Yibin Rail Hub exemplifies a new generation of urban development, one that repositions mobility hubs as catalysts for city life, rather than purely functional transit points.