China and Italy – In a bid to broaden the cultural reach of Italy within China, the Sino-Italian Cultural Exchange City Reception Center in Chengdu will serve as a local government base for hosting cross-cultural exhibitions and events.
Created by aoe architects, the space fuses both Chinese and Italian design influence, with elements such as open plazas, columns and domes sitting alongside a bamboo forest, courtyard and tea rooms.
The space, which is free to explore, provides Chinese residents with a taste of international culture at a time when travel remains restricted. ‘We hoped to find the intersection of cultural differences between East and West, to allow visitors to enjoy Italian and Chinese culture at the same time, and to experience the difference,’ says Larry Wen, founder of aoe architects.
While Chinese citizens are currently reliant on domestic trips in lieu of international travel, such projects allow people to experience different cultures while remaining on home turf. To discover similar innovations, explore the idea of near-far destinations within Neighbourhood Travel.
Strategic opportunity
Travel and hospitality brands can generate excitement around domestic travel by capturing global cultures through immersive destinations. From architecture to regional arts and music, work with international voices to create memorable experiences