(ECNS) -- A library featuring Western fantasy-inspired architecture in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, has become a popular tourist attraction since opening to the public on Aug. 10.
Located in the Xiangao City scenic area, the so-called "Sinkhole Library" had welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors as of Aug. 30, according to local authorities.
Wang Wanbin, design director of the Xiangao City project, said the building draws inspiration from the works of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. "We wanted to place a Western fantasy-style building within an ancient Huizhou-style town, hoping to create something new through cultural fusion," he said.
The library is almost hidden from view from the outside, with its curved walls blending into the surrounding forest. Inside, it houses books on local history, intangible cultural heritage and literature. A spiral stone staircase, warm lighting and periodic bubble effects add to its whimsical atmosphere.
A visitor from Guangzhou said the contrast between the fantasy-inspired Western architecture and the traditional Huizhou cultural setting was striking and particularly appealing to younger visitors.
Wuyuan was historically part of the ancient Huizhou region and is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture. The Xiangao City area, where the library is located, dates back to the Tang Dynasty and served as Wuyuan's county seat for centuries. It was also an important commercial port and cultural hub in the ancient Huizhou region. Restoration work has been underway since late 2022, following a principle of "minimal intervention."
(By Tang Yuxian)
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