The Swarming Half-Finished Complex | BAC Art Community

Now one of the trendiest cultural hubs in Zhuantang, this space – reminiscent of Tianmuli on the west side of Hangzhou – was born from the renovation of an abandoned building. It’s an experimental project for the democratization of art, built from an existing site.

On the lower ground floor sits B131 Gallery, SHANYE Café takes up the first floor, Guanxiangkou and Fu Xing Mian Wang (local noodle restaurant listed in The MICHELIN Guide) occupy the second, while out on the plaza you’ll find a skate bowl and, connecting the first and second floors, a raw concrete staircase that feels like part of the architecture itself. Together they reflect a careful balance between community and commerce – you’d never guess that the place isn’t run by a traditional real-estate developer.

The local neighborhood has been fertile ground for the community’s growth. Across the street is the China Academy of Art’s Xiangshan Campus, next door sits the Xiangshan Art Commune, and upstairs is the Baitaling Atelier, making this a natural incubator for a young, art-oriented crowd.

With a total investment of 150 million Yuan (CNY), BAC (Brighttower Art Community) takes its design inspiration from “the universe in a nutshell”, emphasizing the relationship between people, objects, and the city. The complex weaves together a small theater, central lawn, hammock zone, art studios, apartments, and open exhibition spaces into one experimental, multidimensional environment. A mix of cafés, supermarkets, showrooms, study rooms, and gyms – plus pop-up markets, iced-drink festivals, and sunset concerts – combine to create a new scene for art-inspired urban life, where diversity and complementarity coexist.

Outside, the large LED screen on the first floor alternates between Victoria’s Secret runway clips and celebrity interviews, while rhythmic Western pop music fills the space, pumping energy into the crowd. Near the staircase, the exposed cement wall is plastered with flyers for upcoming events – simple, direct, full of life.

The rise of such “non-standard commercial spaces” always draws an early wave of curious visitors. The place is packed with stylish young people – no surprise that weekend strolls might turn into chance encounters. With the holiday season approaching, the whole space becomes a visually perfect backdrop. The second-floor Western restaurant’s inward extension leaves just enough exterior space for festive decorations – industrial-style lamps, cute Christmas trees, and gingerbread cushions. Combined with abundant natural light and interiors blending Western and Korean aesthetics, it’s an irresistible photo spot. The khaki-toned photo spot at the entrance of Oak & Walnut Thai Table is another crowd favorite – highly recommended for your next check-in shot.