PLAT ASIA has unveiled the first phase of an exciting new tourism resort in Inner Mongolia’s Baiyinkulun Steppe, which includes the innovative Volcano-In Visitor Center and Hotel of Arrivals. This remarkable project is situated amid a unique landscape characterized by volcanic remnants, with a total of 108 volcanoes scattered across the region’s stunning terrain, which originated from a crater formed around 150,000 years ago. The site is approximately 380 kilometers north of Beijing.
Strategically located on previously disturbed land, the Volcano-In Visitor Center aims to combat erosion while stabilizing the volcanic ash and soil. The design features three circular sections that protrude at varying heights, all linked by a winding 274-meter corridor that allows visitors to navigate the building while enjoying uninterrupted views of the surrounding natural beauty. The structure is crafted to keep the internal environment cozy, with curved roofs providing shade to courtyards, and glass walls designed to capture sunlight and reflect the enchanting landscape. Local materials, such as volcanic stone and weathering steel in tones of basalt, have been used to ensure that the building harmonizes with its surroundings over time.
Inside, there is an array of amenities including visitor services, a café-bookstore, exhibition areas showcasing the region’s geology and volcanic history, and dining options offering stunning vistas. Noteworthy is the external theatre situated in an open square between the building’s sections, featuring seating integrated into the slope to enhance visitor experience. The design considers the harsh weather conditions of the region, ingeniously utilizing curved profiles to reduce wind pressure and extended eaves to manage snow accumulation.
Adjacent to the visitor center is the Volcano-In Hotel of Arrivals, which consists of a series of spherical guest suites scattered across the steppe southeast of the main crater. These accommodations are designed with elevated foundations and curved retaining walls to protect against the elements, while ensuring that the installation minimizes environmental disturbance. The buildings are constructed with reddish metal panels and aluminum roofs designed to reflect the harsh sunlight, while narrow horizontal windows focus the gaze outward towards the volcanic landscape, and oval skylights provide breathtaking views of the night sky.
Each suite is equipped with a sleeping and living area, bathroom, and terrace, with walking paths connecting the dispersed units. Covering 1,634 square meters, the hotel employs pre-fabricated parts assembled on-site to further protect the delicate ecosystem. This thoughtful construction approach combined with the resort’s dazzling design makes it a promising addition to the region’s tourism landscape, likely to attract visitors eager to experience the awe of this ancient volcanic territory while enjoying a harmonious interaction with nature.