Guangzhou gives a glance into history

The Guangzhou branch of the National Archives of Publications and Culture, also known as Wenqin Pavilion, has become a cultural landmark in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province. It demonstrates profound Chinese culture as well as the distinctive Lingnan (roughly South China) style and displays the characteristics and essence of the times.

He Jingtang, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, says the design of the archives has absorbed the styles and characteristics of the traditional palace architectural style, Lingnan landscapes and the spirit of Chinese civilization.

"We have also drawn lessons from some of the traditional architecture in Guangzhou, including the iconic Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall and Zhenhai Tower, and taken inspiration from the traditional architecture to construct the archives," says He, who led the project design team.

He, also a renowned architect and professor at South China University of Technology, adds that this integrates traditional architecture with the spirit of the times and "allows buildings to better merge with their surrounding natural environment".