A innovative children's playground in Nanyang, China, has successfully merged traditional Chinese aesthetic elements with modern play design, creating a unique recreational space that celebrates cultural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. The 532-square-meter project, completed in 2025 by Xisui Design, transforms a community space into an engaging environment centered around the symbolic Kongming Lantern concept.
The design team, led by architect Hu Yihao, drew inspiration from traditional Chinese courtyard aesthetics to create a play area that serves children of all age groups. The project specifically incorporates cultural elements that carry the memories of Nanyang, transforming them into core design symbols throughout the children's space. This approach represents a thoughtful integration of local cultural identity with functional playground design.
The playground's design philosophy centers on creating 'unexpected delights where traditional culture meets modern childhood joy,' according to the architects' description. The linear aesthetics typical of traditional Chinese courtyards have been ingeniously adapted to accommodate the play needs and safety requirements of contemporary children's recreational facilities. This careful balance ensures that the space remains both culturally meaningful and practically functional.
Photographed by ISLANDPHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, the completed project showcases how traditional architectural principles can be successfully applied to modern community infrastructure. The design team included Peng Yang, Li Chengxi, Cai Jiangang, Zheng Mengzi, Chen Wenqi, Zhao Fangbo, and Zhang Xi, with general construction handled by Guangdong Chenjia Sculpture.
The project represents a growing trend in Chinese architecture where designers are finding innovative ways to preserve and celebrate traditional cultural elements within modern urban development. By incorporating these historical design principles into children's spaces, the project serves an educational purpose while providing recreational facilities, helping younger generations connect with their cultural heritage through daily play experiences.
