A TRIBUTE TO JADE AND CHINESE CULTURE IN HANGZHOU
The Yohoo Museum, located in Hangzhou's Liangzhu Yohoo Park, is much more than a building. Designed by the architectural firm Aedas, this modern masterpiece pays tribute to jade, a sacred symbol in China for thousands of years. This emblematic museum blends history, nature and modernity to offer visitors a unique experience.
JADE, A TIMELESS INSPIRATION
Since ancient times, jade has been a symbol of purity and wisdom in Chinese culture. The Yohoo Museum takes up this theme, inspired by the shape of jade rings. Its two intertwined circles, visible from the air, evoke ancestral rituals and reflect the region's cultural ties. The museum celebrates two major pillars of Hangzhou: the Liangzhu civilization and the Grand Canal. "We wanted to create a place that resonates with history while integrating with modernity," explains Ken Wai, Global Creative Director at Aedas.
AN ARCHITECTURAL FEAT
The Yohoo Museum fascinates with its airy, elegant structure. Its steel architecture gives the impression that the building is floating in mid-air, while its emerald glass façade imitates the texture and transparency of jade. The undulating roof, meanwhile, creates a captivating interplay between light and shadow. Natural light is at the heart of the design: on the south side, glass filters it to create a soft ambience ideal for exhibitions; on the north side, a huge glass wall opens onto a spectacular view of the surrounding park and lake, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside.
A SENSORY EXPERIENCE
The Yohoo Museum is designed to offer more than just a visit. Two open circular courtyards allow visitors to reconnect with nature, embodying the union between earth and sky, a central idea in Chinese philosophy. Landscaped paths leading to the museum reinforce this immersion. As they approach, visitors gradually discover the building, its flowing lines blending harmoniously into the landscape. Each step reveals a new perspective, transforming the visit into a truly sensory experience.
A SPACE FOR THE COMMUNITY
Beyond its role as a museum, the Yohoo Museum is a place for socializing and sharing, thanks to a large plaza inviting meetings and exchanges. "Our ambition was to create an interactive space, where the community can come together, be inspired and evolve," says Ken Wai.
A NEW SYMBOL FOR HANGZHOU
More than a museum, the Yohoo Museum has become a symbol for Hangzhou. This innovative building combines respect for tradition with bold modernity. It transforms the perception of museums by offering a place where culture, art and nature come together. Combining architecture, history and innovation, the Yohoo Museum invites visitors to marvel and reflect. A true jewel of Hangzhou, it is proof that architecture can tell stories and inspire new ones.
