Yingzhou—also called Hunzhou or Huanzhou—is a mythical land to the east, home to massive, shimmering fish that leap through the air, their motion stirring waves into dazzling mist. What looks like colorful clouds from afar is, up close, the spray from their movement—alive and luminous.
Project Name: Crosslight Wedding Chapel
Studio Name: Ideorealm Design
Location: Qidong, Jiangsu, China
Design Period: May 2024
Completion Time: October 2024
Project Area: 500 sqm
Photographer: Yiwen Xu
This poetic imagery sets the tone for Qidong, a city where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea. Located at the northeastern edge of Jiangsu Province, Qidong is named for its position at the “Eastern Frontier”—a land shaped by shifting sands and constant change. Surrounded by water on three sides, it’s a natural peninsula, a meeting point of rivers, sea, and trade, and the first place in Jiangsu to see the sunrise.
In today’s fast-paced urban life, many people dream of breaking free—to live with more spontaneity and freedom. This longing raises a deeper question: how can architecture offer a space for emotional release and reconnection in a highly structured world?
From Racetrack to Ritual Space
The site was once a go-kart track—an outdoor space designed for leisure and team-building. As the city grew and lifestyles changed, the site was abandoned, fading into memory. In 2024, IdeorealmDesign reimagined it as a wedding chapel—a space for marking life’s most meaningful transitions.
Weddings are moments of transformation. We asked: how could this new chapel connect with its surroundings and honor local culture, while creating a sense of ceremony?
The result is a space that’s light, calm, and quietly powerful. Inspired by the gentle unfolding of a flower, the chapel feels both grounded and elevated, strong yet subtle. It doesn’t demand attention but draws it in naturally, offering a retreat where visitors can pause, reflect, and feel emotionally free. A touch of surrealism gives the building a dreamlike quality—romantic and refined.
Design Concept: Light and Form
The architecture is inspired by the white camellia—a flower symbolizing grace and elegance. Its curving shape unfolds like petals in bloom, with sculptural walls that catch and reflect natural light. These overlapping forms create shifting patterns of shadow and brightness throughout the day.
A key feature is the cross-shaped opening at the entrance—subtly integrated into the curved walls. At night, this cross glows softly from within, turning the chapel into a guiding light for couples stepping into a new chapter of life.
Inside, the space opens up in a soaring gesture. Bright, open, and pure, it offers a quiet backdrop for each couple’s unique story to unfold.
White as a Statement
The all-white exterior goes beyond aesthetics. It symbolizes the purity of weddings, while also stripping away classical references to create a distinctly modern feel. Set against golden autumn light, the white structure stands out—not with grandeur, but with quiet clarity.
As couples walk toward the altar, every step echoes with memories and emotions. Light flickers gently through the space, turning each moment into something timeless. In the stillness of the ceremony, love becomes visible—not through decoration, but through atmosphere, space, and presence.
Architecture That Lives with People
Though buildings may age, their meaning lasts. Each evening, as sunlight filters through nearby trees, it casts soft shadows on the chapel’s walls—marking the passage of time and offering a moment of peace. The sacred and the ordinary meet here. And in that meeting, people find something higher—a sense of connection beyond daily life.
This chapel is more than a venue. It’s a conversation between architecture, art, and emotion. A space for presence. A space for memory. A space for love.
