Grand Opening of Wuhan Qincheng MIXC ONE
On November 29, the retail podium of Wuhan Qincheng MIXC ONE, part of the Alibaba Central China Headquarters (Wuhan Ali Centre), was officially launched. Benoy played a pivotal role in this project, contributing to its masterplanning and providing architectural design throughout all stages of development.
A Dynamic Urban Destination
Wuhan Qincheng MIXC ONE is located in the Xudong Business District of Wuchang, north of Xudong Subway Station, in Wuhan City. The development encompasses a total volume of about 110,000 square meters, featuring one underground retail floor and six above ground levels. The larger Wuhan Ali Center boasts a total GFA of approximately 450,000 square meters, including two impressive office towers totaling 200,000 square meters. These towers — standing approximately 272 meters and 172 meters tall — are set to open in early 2025.
The official unveiling of Wuhan Ali Centre took place with the initial opening of Wuhan Qincheng MIXC ONE, offering the public a fresh perspective on this unique urban landmark project in Wuhan City.
Pioneering Collaboration Between MixC and Alibaba
Wuhan Qincheng MIXC ONE represents an innovative collaboration between China Resources Land’s MixC and Alibaba’s Qinchengli, seamlessly integrating the strengths of both brands, aiming to meet the diverse demands of Wuhan’s fashionable and social urbanites.
This project marks the first MixC development in Wuhan and Alibaba’s debut urban mixed-use venture. By integrating super high-rises with a large shopping center, the project blends Grade A top-tier office towers and high-end retail, creating a development prospect that is both highly anticipated and admired.
Innovative Design and Experiences
The Wuhan Qincheng Wanxiang Hui project introduces vibrant urban experiences, offering consumers a rich, fun, and quality environment by creating a diversified social space, original IP installation, and a state-of-the-art giant naked eye 3D screen. The signature use of Alibaba’s brand colour — Ali Orange — adds a lively accent, reflecting both the vitality of the project and Alibaba’s corporate identity.
The architectural design draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese“Kongming lock”, an intricate interlocking wooden puzzle with cubes, columns, and sticks. This concept is reflected in the three-dimension integration of office and retail spaces, with the Ali HUB office and business space serving as the high-level horizontal lock.
This dynamic space responds to urban dynamics, catering to the modern needs of internet companies while balancing both B2B and B2C functionalities and spaces, resulting in a versatile and highly dynamic public space. The appropriate scale of the towers, combined with retail spaces, a roof garden, and an orange ribbon-like staircase, redefines the grey space between the podiums and roofs, ultimately shaping the project’s unique urban identity.
Significant Social and Economic Impact
With the opening of the MIXC ONE, nearly 1,000 jobs are expected to be created, contributing significantly to Wuhan’s economic growth and social development. Beyond its contribution to the city’s skyline, the project serves as a versatile hub that accommodates both business and consumer needs.
Celebrating a Memorable Milestone
The Benoy Shanghai team, led by Director and Shanghai Studio Head Qin Pang spent 4.5 years working on this landmark project, from the global design competition to its successful realization. Witnessing the opening was a proud and memorable moment for the team.
Qin Pang, Project Chief Designer, shared his thoughts:
The architectural design of Alibaba Central China Headquarter (Wuhan Qincheng MIXC ONE) challenges traditional boundaries between office and retail spaces. In addition to the super high-rise office towers and the retail podium, we have incorporated a suspended volume above the podium to enhance the project’s uniqueness, created more opportunities for public engagement, and expanded its functional possibilities.
This resulted in a harmonious, organic, and vibrant complex. We sincerely thank the client and the local government for their strong support in completing the project and congratulate them on the successful opening!
A Future-Focused Development
Wuhan Qincheng MIXC ONE positions itself as a remarkable urban living destination, featuring diverse tenants across food, fashion retail, lifestyle, leisure, entertainment, and family-oriented sectors. With over 20,000 square metres of main store clusters and the city’s first original IP attraction, the development rejuvenates the urban consumption experience, infusing new inspiration and vitality into Wuhan’s commercial landscape.
Photos from the construction and opening stages are included. The tower section is currently in its final phase of construction.
Stay tuned for more updates and a full project overview upon completion via Benoy’s official channels.
