Recently, exciting news arrived from the London International Creative Competition (LICC): the “Fuyu Cultural Tourism Complex” at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village project, submitted by a design team from Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), stood out from thousands of global entries and won the Best in Non-Professional – Architecture award. The project was recognized for its innovative reinterpretation and cultural continuity of traditional Chinese architecture. It is the only Chinese entry to win the grand prize in the architecture category, demonstrating SZPU’s ongoing efforts and practical achievements in architectural design, cultural preservation, and its growing recognition within the industry.

Project site of the Fuyu Cultural Tourism Complex at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village.

Located in the core scenic area of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Leishan County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, the Fuyu Cultural Tourism Complex occupies a land area of 989.50 square meters and a total built area of 1,484.25 square meters. Designed as a multifunctional complex integrating cultural experience, tourism, vacationing, and leisure business, the project blends traditional Miao ethnic architectural elements with modern construction techniques. Through thoughtful spatial planning and material selection, the SZPU design team successfully created a structure that harmonizes ethnic identity with contemporary functionality.

Details of Roof Truss and Traditional “Beauty Lean” Window Seat.

As the project’s concept designer, SZPU’s School of Architecture and Civil Engineering leveraged its strengths in architectural design and environmental art. Faculty and students conducted extensive field research and design development, based on in-depth studies of traditional Miao culture and architecture. With an emphasis on both preservation and innovation, the team integrated historical and cultural elements into the design to ensure the final structure complements the local landscape and preserves the essence of the ancient village. Over several months of work, the team completed the design and continued to provide full technical support during construction, working closely with the construction drawing and on-site execution teams.

As Night Falls, The Lights of the Miao Village Illuminate the Valley.

This award not only affirms the educational excellence and professional capabilities of SZPU’s School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, but also serves as a powerful demonstration of China's efforts in preserving and revitalizing its architectural heritage. The university remains committed to integrating education with industry practice, cultivating innovative and globally-minded talent. Moving forward, SZPU will continue to foster dialogue between traditional culture and contemporary design—contributing to the telling of China's story and the promotion of cultural confidence.

The London International Creative Competition (LICC) is one of the world’s most prestigious creative design competitions, encompassing six major categories: architecture, art, graphic design, interior decoration, photography & video, and product design. It celebrates creative excellence and innovation across disciplines. This year’s competition attracted thousands of entries from over 80 countries and regions. After rigorous rounds of evaluation, the Fuyu Cultural Tourism Complex project impressed the jury with its unique design vision, traditional craftsmanship, and deep cultural insight. It ultimately earned the top award in the architecture category—along with a prize—and was one of only 12 projects globally to receive this distinguished honor.

Screenshot of the LICC Official Website

(Reported by Xie Shaoliang, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering

)