Can visitors enter the China Academy of Art's Xiangshan Campus?

Yes, the campus allows free public access on weekdays, with a visitor sign-in at the south gate. It is a working campus where architecture students are still active, so you are walking through a live academic space rather than a museum. Bringing your passport for the gate sign-in is advised.

Why is the Xiangshan Campus famous in architecture circles?

It was designed between 2002 and 2007 by Wang Shu, the first Chinese architect to win the Pritzker Prize, in 2012. Its 22 buildings use around 1.5 million recycled bricks, tiles and roof shingles salvaged from demolished traditional villages, so the campus echoes centuries-old village forms while staying thoroughly contemporary.

How do I get to the Xiangshan Campus and is it worth the trip?

It sits in Zhuantang, about a 30-minute taxi from West Lake, with no direct metro, so plan a taxi or ride-hail. It is an absolute pilgrimage if you care about architecture, but honestly skippable if you do not. Pair it with the nearby art museum for a full architecture day.

China Academy of Art (Xiangshan Campus), Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Wang Shu's Pritzker-laureate (2012) sustainable campus — 22 buildings made of recycled bricks and tiles from demolished Chinese villages.

At a glance

What it is: Arts & Culture
Also known as: 中国美术学院象山校区 (Zhōngguó Měishù Xuéyuàn)
Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Time needed: 1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Weekday morning 10 AM
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Passport booking required
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 352 Xiangshan, Zhuantang, West Lake District · 西湖区转塘镇象山 352 号

The China Academy of Art's Xiangshan Campus (2002-2007) was designed by Wang Shu — the first Chinese architect to win the Pritzker Prize (2012). The 22 buildings are made of recycled bricks, tiles, and roof shingles salvaged from demolished traditional Chinese villages (1.5 million pieces total), creating a campus that visually references centuries-old village architecture while being thoroughly contemporary. Free public access weekdays (campus visitor sign-in at the south gate); architecture students still actively use it. Pairs with the New Bund Art Museum (¥100) for an architecture day. 30 min taxi from West Lake. Skip if not architecture-interested; absolute pilgrimage if you are.

Highlights

Wang Shu (Pritzker 2012)First Chinese Pritzker laureate; Xiangshan is his masterwork
1.5M Recycled Village TilesBricks + roof shingles from demolished villages

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Visit on a weekday morning around 10 AM; weekend public access is less reliable on a working campus.
▸The recycled grey tile and brick walls photograph best in soft, slightly overcast light that reveals texture.
▸Carry cash; this far out in Zhuantang, foreign-card acceptance is unreliable, unlike central Hangzhou.
▸Pair it with the New Bund Art Museum for one focused architecture day rather than a standalone trip.
▸Respect that students are working; keep voices low and avoid photographing people inside studios.
▸Settle your return taxi or ride-hail before exploring, as cabs are scarce around the remote campus.
▸Skip this entirely if architecture is not your thing; the appeal is the buildings, not facilities or views.

Photos

A detailed wall art installation surrounded by lush greenery in Hangzhou, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese design.

A peaceful garden featuring a traditional Chinese statue surrounded by lush greenery.

A serene scene at Hupao Park, Hangzhou, featuring lush greenery and traditional Chinese architecture.

Vibrant umbrellas decorating a traditional Chinese building with classic architecture.

Serene view of a traditional Chinese pavilion reflecting on a tranquil lake in Hangzhou, China.

Peaceful pathway surrounded by vibrant greenery in a tranquil garden setting of Hangzhou, China.

Tranquil courtyard with teapot sculpture and lush greenery in Hupao Park, Hangzhou, China.

Charming white archway surrounded by lush greenery in Hangzhou's Hupao Park.

Intricate stone tiger sculptures in Hupao Park, Hangzhou, surrounded by lush greenery.

A person practicing traditional calligraphy using brushes and ink on paper.

A serene view of ivy-covered bridges and traditional architecture in Hupao Park, Hangzhou.

Captivating view of a traditional Chinese pagoda in Hangzhou, surrounded by lush greenery.

Scenic view of a traditional Chinese pavilion on a tranquil lake in Hangzhou park.

Beautiful traditional Chinese building surrounded by lush trees and calm waters, reflecting cultural elegance.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

ArchPilgrim·TripAdvisor·5/5

Wang Shu (Pritzker 2012) campus — architecture pilgrimage. Free to walk.

2026-04-15

中国美院·Xiaohongshu·5/5

中国美院象山校区王澍设计建筑朝圣！免费。工业风 + 自然融合。

2026-03-22

Adam B.·Google Maps·5/5

Pritzker Prize Wang Shu's masterpiece campus. Free entry. Plan 2-3 hours.

2026-02-18

Frequently asked questions about China Academy of Art (Xiangshan Campus)

Can visitors enter the China Academy of Art's Xiangshan Campus?: Yes, the campus allows free public access on weekdays, with a visitor sign-in at the south gate. It is a working campus where architecture students are still active, so you are walking through a live academic space rather than a museum. Bringing your passport for the gate sign-in is advised.
Why is the Xiangshan Campus famous in architecture circles?: It was designed between 2002 and 2007 by Wang Shu, the first Chinese architect to win the Pritzker Prize, in 2012. Its 22 buildings use around 1.5 million recycled bricks, tiles and roof shingles salvaged from demolished traditional villages, so the campus echoes centuries-old village forms while staying thoroughly contemporary.
How do I get to the Xiangshan Campus and is it worth the trip?: It sits in Zhuantang, about a 30-minute taxi from West Lake, with no direct metro, so plan a taxi or ride-hail. It is an absolute pilgrimage if you care about architecture, but honestly skippable if you do not. Pair it with the nearby art museum for a full architecture day.