Xi'an's current high-quality shopping mall, the "Tree of Life," is a huge hit!

The "Tree of Life" at the China Resources International Culture and Commerce Center (CCBD) in Xi'an is arguably the mall's biggest draw. Designed by the British architectural genius Thomas Heatherwick, it creates a brand-new shopping area in the heart of the ancient city. Located south of Yanzhan Road and east of Chang'an South Road, Xi'an CCBD covers a total construction area of over 600,000 square meters and represents a total investment of 9 billion yuan. It is a commercial complex integrating retail, office spaces, hotels, apartments, and a vertical park. The project aims to be a city landmark, leading urban and commercial development and showcasing Xi'an's modern lifestyle. As one of the largest projects ever designed by Heatherwick Studio, Xi'an CCBD pays tribute to the ancient capital's traditional craftsmanship and its historical connection to ceramics, creating a multifunctional space for visitors to relax, explore, and shop. The "Tree of Life" is a key feature of Xi'an CCBD, a modern interpretation of the ancient capital's culture and history. Legend has it that 1,400 years ago, Emperor Taizong of Tang planted a ginkgo tree at the ancient Guanyin Chan Temple. A millennium later, the ginkgo tree is still thriving. Inspired by this, the architect presents a revitalized landmark—the Tree of Life—symbolizing the eternal natural energy and enduring vitality of the East. The "Tree of Life" stands 57 meters tall, over ten meters taller than the Statue of Liberty. Its main body consists of three platforms, extending 60 giant "leaves" and encompassing seven ecological landscapes. These mimic seven typical landforms and ecosystems along the Silk Road, narrating the Silk Road journey and presenting the natural scenery of Eurasia. Here, plants are not mere decorations but serve as a link between people, nature, and time. In the future, the plants on the "Tree of Life" will change with the seasons, blooming in different forms and colors throughout the year and even throughout the day, presenting a living, colorful architectural artwork. Inspired by the traditional nested table shape, the design of Xi'an CCBD breaks down the overall commercial volume into smaller, interlocking building blocks, forming a dynamic framework and outlining open terraces for people to gather. Greenery permeates the entire design, with various local plant species planted both in the lower-level buildings and on each rooftop structure. Drawing inspiration from the Terracotta Army, Xi'an's most iconic terracotta sculptures, the design team worked closely with local artisans to develop original ceramic patterns, adding a sense of mystery and playfulness to the building's facade. This material inherits and carries forward the traditional craftsmanship of the ancient capital, creating a timeless link to its ceramic heritage.