In Hefei’s rapidly growing skyline, one tower has sparked more conversation than most. Officially named the Anhui Broadcasting & TV Center, the center features large inscriptions in seal script, an early standardized form of Chinese calligraphy that dates back more than 2,000 years to the Qin Dynasty. Locals commonly refer to it as the “Tianshu Building.”
A Landmark at the Edge of Swan Lake
Located at the southern end of Swan Lake in Hefei, the tower serves as the headquarters of Anhui’s largest television producer. Completed in 2013, the building rises 245 meters in architectural height and stretches to 276.7 meters at its tip, making it one of the tallest structures in the province. With 46 stories above ground and two basement levels, it offers more than 190,000 square meters of floor space, accommodating everything from broadcast studios and multimedia offices to Asia’s largest multifunctional broadcasting hall, a venue spanning 3,600 square meters.
Inside, the tower is equipped with 27 elevators capable of speeds up to 3.8 meters per second, ensuring efficient vertical circulation. A capacity for 1,745 vehicles in underground parking reinforces its role as a hub for both media professionals and visitors.
The Tianshu Building’s Calligraphic Facade
At first glance, the tower’s gently spiraling form looks like an unfolding paper scroll—a deliberate nod to Chinese traditions of writing and scholarship. The facade, with its bold Li-style calligraphy carved in seal script, transforms the high-rise into a canvas of cultural memory. This design choice makes the building stand out as an engineering accomplishment and a piece of living heritage. By embedding ancient script into its skin, the tower establishes a dialogue between past and present, proving that modern architecture can carry centuries of cultural weight.
Seal script, or zhuanshu, represents one of the earliest standardized writing systems in China. Known for its rounded shapes and formal, pictorial strokes, it remains a valued cultural symbol often seen in calligraphy and carved seals. By embedding these characters into a modern high-rise, the Tianshu Building establishes a striking connection between contemporary architecture and deep-rooted traditions.
The use of cultural elements in large-scale architecture is not uncommon in China, but this project stands out because of the scale and prominence of its inscriptions. Rather than applying motifs in subtle ways, the Tianshu Building makes traditional calligraphy the focal point of its design, turning the structure itself into a cultural landmark.
Collaboration of Leading Firms
The project was commissioned by the Anhui Broadcasting and TV Station and executed by leading domestic firms. The China Academy of Building Research, in collaboration with NewDesignArchitecture, led the architectural and structural design. The China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd. served as the main contractor, ensuring timely delivery despite the project’s technical challenges.
As China’s cities continue to expand, architects and planners are exploring ways to balance modernization with heritage. The Tianshu Building illustrates this approach, functioning as both a commercial hub and a reminder of artistic traditions. Beyond its role as a broadcasting center, it now serves as a recognizable symbol of Anhui’s identity, connecting modern city life with the country’s long history of written language.
Anhui New Broadcasting & TV Center – Project Details
Location: Hefei, Anhui Province, China (south end of Swan Lake)
Official Name: Anhui New Broadcasting & TV Center
Common Name: Tianshu Building
Tip Height: 276.7 m (908 ft)
Floors: 46 above ground, 2 below ground
Owner/Developer: Anhui Broadcasting and TV Station
Architect / Structural Engineer: China Academy of Building Research, with NewDesignArchitecture
Image Credit: NDA Group
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