Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Phase 2)

Central China International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Phase 2) is strategically located within the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone (ZAEZ), adjacent to the international airport. This prime location ensures extensive domestic and international transport links, making it ideal for hosting a wide range of national and global events.

Completed to an exceptionally demanding programme, the project was developed from the start of concept design in early March 2024 through to the opening of the entire complex in September 2025, in time to host the 3rd China National Skill Competitions. Delivering a development of this scale and complexity within such a compressed timeframe was a remarkable achievement, reflecting the close collaboration across the design, client and delivery teams, and resulting in a series of landmark buildings of national significance that are highly recognisable and visible from both land and air.

While embracing the ambitions and aspirations of the ZAEZ to create contemporary, innovative buildings, the architectural design with its sweeping roofs also reflects the rich cultural heritage and spectacular natural beauty of the region. The new development extends to the east and west of an existing park, situated south of the original Convention Centre. Our design comprises three key components: the Phase 2 Convention Centre, a Conference Centre, and a Hotel. Connectivity and modularity are the starting points of the design, with a 1.7 km-long elevated floor plane or central spine connecting the three main entrances, exhibition halls, Conference Centre and the hotel to create a layout that is interconnected and easily accessible.

The design emphasizes pedestrian-friendliness and public realm, with two levels of the central spine creating separated circulation routes for fast and slow pedestrian traffic, splitting the flows for viewing exhibits and other activities such as dining and shopping. The Convention Centre features sixteen exhibition halls and related facilities, arranged on either side of the central spine. Each standard hall has an approximate net area of 12,500 m², with a clear span of 78.5 m x 161 m on level 1 accommodating a broad spectrum of exhibition and event requirements.

The upper level of the central spine crosses the park via the eastern entrance pavilion, connecting the Convention Centre to the grand Conference Centre and the adjacent hotel. The Conference Centre is primarily enclosed by a spectacular floating roof that rises over the main conference hall, with large cable-net facades providing transparency and clarity to the functionality contained within. The Conference Centre connects to the hotel, located at the far east of the complex, completing the overall design vision with its distinguished roofscape and central atrium.

The lower level of the central spine offers restaurants and public spaces where visitors and exhibitors can eat, relax, and enjoy the architectural splendour of their environment. Three impressive entrance pavilions for ticketing and security functions provide access to the central spine, connecting the halls on upper and lower levels. After security clearance, visitors typically approach the halls via travelators on the upper level of the connecting spine. Upon reaching the desired hall on the mezzanine entrance level, they will have dramatic views of the exhibits below before taking escalators to the event itself.

The project has been designed to achieve the China Green Building rating and integrates a number of environmental strategies. Photovoltaic panels are installed on the roof of the central entrance pavilion, contributing to on site renewable energy generation. The design also incorporates the use of natural daylight within the exhibition halls, together with rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation, supporting the use of passive and resource efficient systems.