The Shanghai Baoshan Long Beach Winder Tower Complex has been completed as a groundbreaking mixed-use development that transforms an industrial port area into a stunning waterfront destination. Located strategically at the Yangtze River estuary beside the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal—Asia's largest and the world's fourth-largest home port—this ambitious project represents a significant urban renewal initiative in China.
DLR Group won the international design competition with their visionary proposal to create a new landmark that would revitalize the industrial waterfront. The massive 2 million square foot complex brings together multiple functions in a cohesive architectural ensemble that serves as both a cultural and commercial hub for the region.
The development features an impressive array of facilities anchored by a 180-meter observation tower that offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River estuary and surrounding cityscape. The complex also includes a 120-meter Grade-A office building designed to attract premium tenants, providing modern workspace with exceptional river views. A luxurious 80-meter five-star hotel with 300 keys caters to both business travelers and tourists visiting the cruise terminal.
Cultural amenities play a central role in the complex's design, with a state-of-the-art 1,027-seat concert hall serving as a major performance venue for the Shanghai metropolitan area. The facility is designed to host world-class orchestras, chamber music ensembles, and other musical performances, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the Baoshan district.
The project's comprehensive design also incorporates essential infrastructure elements, including a tunnel operations center that manages traffic flow in the area, as well as extensive retail spaces that serve both residents and the thousands of cruise passengers who pass through the adjacent terminal annually.
Completed in 2024, the project spans 25,411 square meters and represents a collaborative effort involving multiple international consultants. DLR Group led the design team, while Arcplus Institute of Shanghai Architectural Design & Research served as architects of record for most of the complex, with Tongji Architectural Design handling the specialized concert hall component.
The technical execution involved sophisticated engineering solutions, with WSP providing structural and mechanical consulting services. Specialized consultants included Nagata Acoustics for the concert hall's audio systems, Shanghai Research Institution of Building Sciences for facade engineering, and DLR Group's own team for lighting design. Shanghai Construction Group served as the general contractor for this complex undertaking.
The project was commissioned by Ruitai Development, a subsidiary of SIPG (Shanghai International Port Group), with Xinghua Pan serving as the client representative. This ownership structure reflects the strategic importance of the development in enhancing Shanghai's port infrastructure and creating new economic opportunities in the Baoshan district.
Photographer Chill Shine documented the completed complex, capturing both the architectural details and the dramatic setting along the Yangtze River. The images showcase how the buildings integrate with their waterfront context while creating a bold new skyline for this part of Shanghai.
The Baoshan Long Beach Winder Tower Complex stands as a testament to contemporary urban planning that successfully balances commercial viability with cultural programming and infrastructure needs. By transforming an industrial port area into a vibrant mixed-use destination, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can catalyze broader urban regeneration while respecting the maritime heritage of its location.
