Discover the Shadowless Church in China's Chengdu

Editor︰Ryu
Author︰Long Zaisi

Do you want to experience the French vibe in China? The Shadowless Church in Chengdu is sure to make you fall in love at first sight.

The Shadowless Church emphasises the freedom of light and shadow with its all-white palette and boasts a minimalist aesthetic in its design.

Alongside the surrounding lavender field and the French-style town, it is like being in France. 

Shadowless Church was designed with Impressionist features

The genius design of stems from a world-class master. The Shadowless Church (無影教堂), situated in the Sino-French Technology Park (中法科技園) in the Pengshan District of Meishan City, Sichuan, was designed by Atelier Shanghai Dachuan Architects (上海大椽建築設計事務所). 

The Shadowless Church in Chengdu
The Shadowless Church has in recent years become a popular travel spot. Its unique design was inspired by the Bodega Bay Church in the U.S. (Image Source: VCG)

With a deep understanding of French culture and architectural art, such as the famous lavender fields in southern France, and the pure and minimalist characteristics of Impressionism, the designers have successfully integrated them all into the church's design concept.

From afar, the Shadowless Church in Chengdu looks like a "paper house" assembled from countless pieces of giant white paper.
From afar, the Shadowless Church looks like a "paper house" assembled from countless pieces of giant white paper. (Image Source: XiaoHongShu)

Before you even have time to dream, the sight of the church, which appears like a gigantic white tower, would "awaken" you, leaving you in awe and marvelling at the ingenious design of the Shadowless Church.

Read moreFoshan's all-white Violin Church: Artsy and romantic

Green technology used in the Shadowless Church

With the exterior of the Chengdu Shadowless Church being so enchanting, its interior design is equally ingenious.

When you enter the church and look up, it’s hard not to notice that the pillars of the entire church are seamlessly connected, which will definitely amaze the visitors.

The Shadowless Church in Chengdu
The Shadowless Church applies white aluminium square tubes throughout its design. Under the sun's irradiation, they turn into "beams of light", making the church look more divine while letting in the sunlight. (Image Source: XiaoHongShu)

In fact, the entire Shadowless Church is made of exquisite square aluminium tubes. The main structural framework is composed of thin steel and further stabilised by thick square aluminium plates.

Furthermore, the designer cleverly added a false ceiling in the church, which perfectly hides the load-bearing structure.

Read more: Zhejiang Jiaxing: Century-old monuments turned into tourist attractions

In addition to using unique aluminium materials, the designer embraced a "green" mindset in constructing the church.

During the construction of the Shadowless Church, lighter aluminium plates were used, which can reduce transportation costs and carbon emissions.

Moreover, aluminium plates are also resistant to vibration and corrosion, thus, making them more environmentally friendly.

The Shadowless Church in Chengdu
The vaulted ceiling of the Shadowless Church can perfectly hide the load-bearing structure, making it not only beautiful but also practical. (Image Source: XiaoHongShu)

It's also worth praising that the design cleverly utilises the side face of the square aluminium plates, allowing the refraction of light to extend upward.

Even under a starry night, the church does not have light leaks. Instead, it creates the feeling of calm with light radiating from within, adding a dose of romance to this place.

Lavender field makes it like Monet's Garden

One of the must-see spots when you come to the Shadowless Church is the sea of lavender flowers outside the church.

With lush lavender and a sprinkle of pinkish-purple buds, it looks as beautiful as a painting. There's no better outfit to pose in than a white dress!

Shadowless Church in Chengdu
The pure white Shadowless Church and the purple lavender field reflect each other, creating a dreamlike oil paintin. (Image Source: XiaoHongShu)

Sunsets are always beautiful, and if you want to capture the very most beauty of the Shadowless Church, it's best to stick around till the end.

Because when the sun sets, it just happens to hide behind the church, painting the sky red with the remaining glow and illuminating the tender lavender field.

The Shadowless Church at night
The Shadowless Church at night evokes a mysterious and solemn atmosphere, giving a completely different feeling than during the day. (Image Source: XiaoHongShu)

Remember to add the Shadowless Church to your itinerary the next time you travel to Chengdu. We guarantee that you will be able to take back a stunning photo album.

Read more: Explore the colourful night view of Meishan Water Street

Travel Tips

Shadowless Church in Chengdu

Address: Sino-French Science and Technology Park, Pengshan District, Meishan City, Sichuan

Entrance Ticket: Free

Suggested Stay: 1 to 2 hours

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