RSHP completes Phase 2 of the Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre

RSHP has completed Phase 2 of the Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Zhengzhou, China.

The project comprises a major convention centre, conference centre and hotel connected by a 1.7-kilometre elevated central spine. Designed in response to the existing Phase 1 Convention Centre, the development draws on the region’s heritage, including the Yellow River and Song Mountain, to create a series of sweeping canopy roofs that unify the complex and enhance the visitor experience.

Richard Paul, Director, RSHP celebrates the project's completion: “This was an immensely ambitious project – vast in scale and delivered within a limited timeframe – which demanded a design that emphasises modularity, standardisation, and the use of cutting-edge technology and resulting in a series of buildings that are distinctive, efficient, and joyful. The 1.7-kilometre concourse is shaped by a sweeping undulating arch structure that brings lightness and offers welcoming open spaces to enhance the visitor experience, with naturally lit spaces and intuitive routes organised around a central spine.”

The project was delivered to a demanding programme and was completed in time to host the 3rd China National Skill Competition. The design emphasises connectivity, modularity and intuitive movement throughout the development, while incorporating environmental strategies including renewable energy generation, rainwater harvesting and extensive use of natural daylight.

Ben Warner, Managing Director in Asia, RSHP commented that: “Delivering a development of this scale and complexity within such a compressed timeframe is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the close collaboration across the design, client and delivery teams. The result is a landmark destination that is highly recognisable and visible from both land and air.”

Modularity ensured the scheme was delivered within a short timeframe. Steelwork remains lightweight with consistent elements, welded on site, enabling efficient construction without compromising the ambition of the architectural vision.

Tadashi Arai, Associate Director, RSHP explains the design approach: “Connectivity and modularity define our design for Phase 2 of the Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Visitors arrive through a naturally lit entrance defined by ETFE roofs and cable net façades, before ascending to the elevated central spine. From there, a 1.7-kilometre-long floating roof of ETFE and PTFE fibreglass membrane unfolds above, guiding movement towards the exhibition halls, Conference Centre, and hotel. This sequence creates a continuous sense of clarity, orientation, and awe, transforming circulation into a memorable civic experience.”

The Administrative Committee for the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone said: “We are very proud to collaborate with RSHP in creating the Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre, a truly outstanding and unique architectural solution perfectly responds to our demanding brief.

From the first sketch to final handover, the design team brought vision, precision, and genuine attention to every stage of the delivery process. Every detail, from the natural light in the main concourse to the seamless flow between the main halls, feels intentionally and beautifully executed.

Adopting a highly collaborative approach to the design process, listening to our needs and aspirations, RSHP didn’t just construct a building; they built trust, patience, and excellence into the delivery of a very complex building. Thank you for giving us a landmark we’ll be proud of for decades.”

Henan Airport Construction & Development Co., Ltd said: “The extraordinary imagination of the RSHP design team has perfectly brought to life a dynamic, fashionable, sci-fi next-generation Convention Centre. Its robust steel structure carries an air of graceful lightness, delivering an immersive spatial experience that stands as a miracle in the Central China exhibition history. Tens of thousands of builders, working tirelessly through days and nights, altogether turned the impossible into reality.”

Henan Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre Co., Ltd commented: “As the operator of this landmark project, we are honoured to witness how RSHP's design vision has been transformed into a world-class exhibition destination. The seamless connectivity achieved by the 1.7-kilometer central spine, the abundant natural light in the exhibition halls, and the organic integration of conference, hotel, and commercial facilities all reflect a profound understanding of the operational logic of modern exhibition complexes. This is not only an architectural achievement but also an environment meticulously tailored for convention and exhibition activities, which will comprehensively enhance the experience of exhibitors and visitors alike, helping Zhengzhou become a vital hub for international trade and cultural exchange in Central China.”