Chishui Visitor Center occupies a long peninsula between the river and the red Danxia peaks. Its level northern end meets a steep ridge to the south, giving the site a direction that gathers upwards. The building repeats and rises along this inclined axis, embedding red roofs that climb the hillside within an open white base. The whole extends from the river plain towards the peak; a touch of white within the red landscape also recalls the image of an Egret Isle.

The composition develops the combination of undulating roofs and layered bases found in northern Guizhou’s houses. Serrated red units run in parallel up the slope, rising progressively into a converging, cone-like body. On the level ground, the basic unit expands to accommodate public reception and encloses a U-shaped white base. A shared principle changes with terrain and use. The upward movement of the red part and the inward gathering of the white part act upon one another, establishing the building’s relationship with the landscape.

Offices and visitor facilities respond respectively to the hillside and the level ground. On the mountain side, five office bands alternate with courts and step up with the terrain. The northern white base faces the visitor plaza and accommodates waiting areas, ticketing, information and other public services. In the middle, courtyards divide the tourism exhibition area, interspersing galleries with outdoor spaces. The restaurant occupies the upper level, spanning the courts and opening onto a riverside viewing terrace. Each programme has its own position between hillside and riverbank, with courts, platforms and spaces spanning the courts connecting the parts.

Red Danxia stone covers the roofs against the hillside, while white stone defines the lower base. Material and form reinforce the building’s rise towards the mountain and its opening towards the river. Inside, courts bring daylight into the exhibition spaces, while coloured glass gives halls and circulation spaces different qualities of light. The upper restaurant looks towards the Chishui River through an unfolding glazed facade, and the viewing terrace brings visitors into direct contact with the landscape on both banks. From enclosed courts to open river views, the building offers distinct light conditions and places to pause while waiting, visiting exhibitions or dining.