Lunar Tower observation structure opens in Hainan mangrove reserve with moon-inspired design
The Lunar Tower, an observation structure standing 33.5 meters tall, has been finalized by the Architectural Design & Research Institute of South China University of Technology (SCUTAD) in the Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve on Hainan Island. This cylindrical edifice features a circular viewing platform that mimics the full moon and is designed for scientific research and disaster prevention. Its exterior is clad in low-reflective white aluminum plates, drawing inspiration from mangrove leaves. Three viewing platforms at heights of 12, 24 meters, and the summit provide panoramic views of the mangrove forest and the sea. A central staircase serves as an ecological buffer for migrating birds, and the lightweight design is resilient against typhoon-level winds. Lead architect He Jingtang focused on reducing environmental impact. Photography by Wu Sitong.
Key facts
- Lunar Tower is a 33.5-meter-tall observation tower in China's Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area on Hainan Island
- Designed by Architectural Design & Research Institute of South China University of Technology (SCUTAD)
- Features a circular top viewing platform resembling the full moon with interior moon sliver design
- Located in east Haikou within China's first wetland-type nature reserve focusing on mangrove protection
- Serves functions including scientific research, observation, sightseeing, and disaster prevention
- Has three viewing platforms at 12 meters, 24 meters, and top level connected by central spiral staircase
- Perforated facade uses low-reflective white aluminium plates with mangrove leaf-inspired pattern
- Engineered with 18 steel pipe columns filled with C40 concrete to withstand typhoon-level winds
Entities
Artists
- He Jingtang
- Bao Ying
- Pei YueChen Muqi
- Huang Xueying
- Wu Senlin
- Li Kaixin
- Han Yun
- Chen Sihan
- Lu Yujie
- Zhou Yuezhou
- Yang Shenyin
- Qin Boyuan
- Huang Yong
- Lin Zekai
- Cen Hongjin
- Huang Shihua
- Yu Yang
- Chen Hua jian
- Wu Xi
- Huang Guangwei
- Wu Sitong
Institutions
- Architectural Design & Research Institute of South China University of Technology
- SCUTAD
- Suzhou Industrial Park Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau
- Shenzhen Zhongzhuang Technology Curtain Wall Engineering Co., Ltd.
- Shenzhen LighTech Planning & Design Partnership
- Hainan Mangrove Tourism Co., Ltd.
- Hainan Guozhun Steel Structure Engineering Co., Ltd.
- Open Architecture
- Shanghai United Design Group
- Dezeen
Locations
- Haikou
- China
- Hainan Island
- Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area