The winners of the 2025 Dezeen Awards China were revealed at a prestigious ceremony held at the Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai hotel, celebrating outstanding achievements in Chinese architecture, interior design, and innovative projects. Over 150 shortlisted architects and designers from across China gathered alongside judges and VIP guests to honor this year's 27 winners, including three standout projects of the year that showcase the nation's creative excellence.
The Shunde Yunlu Wetland Museum, designed by Studio Link-Arc, claimed the top honor as Architecture Project of the Year while also winning Public Project of the Year in the arts, culture, and community category. Judge Peidong Zhu praised the project, stating that "through refined and concise contemporary architectural strategies, the architect reveals the poetry born from the building's interaction with nature and life." He emphasized how the design "not only amplifies the ecological experience of the wetlands but also, in a vivid manner, re-establishes the dialogue between the public and nature and the environment through the architecture itself."
In the interior design category, Yandangshan Scenic Area Cliff Coffee by Hangzhou-based Slow Coral was named Interior Project of the Year and also won Bar and Cafe Interior of the Year. The remarkable cliff-side cafe connects seamlessly with the natural landscape through what the studio calls "weak design" techniques. The wooden platform and glass curtain wall provide visitors with spectacular views while minimizing interference with the surrounding ecology, demonstrating how thoughtful design can enhance rather than disrupt natural environments.
The Design Project of the Year award went to "Down in the Clouds," created by Practice on Earth and Increments Studio, which also won Installation Design of the Year. This innovative project combines steel containers with inflatable elements to create a unique interactive experience. Judge Min Chen noted that "Down in the Clouds began with a wealth of imagination, yet remarkably retained its imaginative essence throughout implementation, ultimately achieving a balance between functionality and playfulness."
Now in its third year, Dezeen Awards China aims to spotlight the best Chinese architecture, interiors, and design while providing international recognition. The competition featured entries judged by distinguished panels including architects Ziyu Zhuang, Robert Greenwood, and Patrik Schumacher for architecture; interior designers Keiji Ashizawa, Bin Wu, and Nan Jiang for interiors; and curator Aric Chen, industrial designer Ross Lovegrove, and Min Chen for design projects.
Other notable architecture winners included a residential beach development in Qinhuangdao by Safdie Architects, a seaside pavilion by GN Architects, and a mixed-use project in Shaoxing adapted from a former chip factory by Kokaistudios. The interior category showcased diverse winners ranging from a hotel with unobstructed sea views by SZ-Architects to a multifunctional shared learning space by Atelier d'More and a vibrant community space by Yatofu Creatives that serves as retail, bike maintenance facility, and community center.
The design category featured innovative projects including an exploratory lighting design by Cynics, a bespoke ceiling installation for the Aesop Hainan store by Other Matter, and regenerated ceramic products by YiBrick. These winners demonstrate the breadth and creativity of contemporary Chinese design across multiple disciplines and applications.
Four prestigious Designer of the Year awards were announced at the ceremony's conclusion. Studio Link-Arc received Architect of the Year, Atelier taoc won Interior Designer of the Year, Benwu Studio claimed Designer of the Year, and Baicai Design was honored as Rising Star of the Year. These awards recognize not just individual projects but sustained excellence and innovation in their respective fields.
The ceremony incorporated two panel discussions exploring critical issues facing the Chinese architecture and design industry. The first talk, moderated by Dezeen's co-CEO Benedict Hobson, featured architect Yichen Lu from Studio Link-Arc, Andrea Destefanis from Kokaistudios, and interior designer Alex Mok from Linehouse. They discussed how architects in China are shifting focus from large-scale new construction toward preservation, adaptation, and reuse of existing structures.
The second discussion, led by Dezeen's China editor Christina Yao, brought together Alex Chen, global partner of Cheng Chung Design, industrial designer Min Chen, and Hao Chen, co-founder of HCCH, to explore the future of Chinese design on the global stage. These conversations highlighted the evolving landscape of Chinese design and its increasing international influence.
Partners contributed to the event's atmosphere and experience. Furniture partner Tradition and Stressless presented a Nordic furniture collection featuring the latest Stressless Reno recliner chair, paired with the Tradition Flowerpot portable lamp and Lato marble side table. Drink partner Dao Brew created a special Dezeen-branded beer for guests, incorporating tropical fruit aromas followed by caramel sweetness, with label design by Zhide Architects.
Dezeen Awards China operates in partnership with Bentley as part of a broader collaboration to inspire, support, and champion design excellence while showcasing innovation that creates a better and more sustainable world. This partnership aligns with Bentley's architecture and design business initiatives, including the Bentley Home furnishings range and real estate projects worldwide, demonstrating the intersection of luxury automotive design and architectural innovation.
