Suzhou’s Baihua is a Bookstore Reimagined

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Summary

  • The Baihua Bookstore, redesigned by Tsing-Tien Making, draws inspiration from a micro-theater inspired by traditional Kunqu opera façades
  • The project aims to re-establish the bookstore as a cultural destination within the China Kunqu Opera Museum in Suzhou

The Baihua Bookstore, now revitalized by Tsing-Tien Making, is nestled within the China Kunqu Opera Museum in Suzhou, where the art form originated in China. Originally, this bookstore was a small, specialized venue focused on literature about Kunqu opera, with a cozy 65-square-meter room designed for reading. However, it had fallen into disrepair and became more of an exit corridor than a cultural hub linked to the museum’s central story. Following its renovation by Tsing-Tien Making, the renewed Baihua Bookstore aims to reinstate itself as a significant aspect of the museum visit.

As a design enthusiast, I find myself deeply inspired by the ingenious Tangmingdan, a foldable stage backdrop employed by traditional opera troupes. By borrowing the structural intelligence of this intriguing artifact, the architects have crafted a unique “bookstore-plus” blueprint, envisioning the space as a miniature theater capable of dynamic transformation. This innovative project emulates the Tangmingdan’s strengths of identity, creativity, and versatility, which are tangibly demonstrated through movable display units, magnetic attachment systems, and retractable screens that enable swift adaptability for diverse events.

The design incorporates a mix of repurposed and modern materials to bridge the new construction with its past. The northern part of Tangmingdan’s main facade is adorned with vintage wooden doors discovered on-site, which underwent carbonization to bring out the wood grain’s texture. Furthermore, original window carvings were saved and integrated into the new structure as “storytelling pieces.” On the other hand, the southern façade showcases perforated galvanized steel with a pattern inspired by a crescent-shaped ornament commonly worn by Kunqu performers, merging traditional symbolism with a modern design.

China Kunqu Opera Museum
14 Zhongzhangjia Ln, Ping Jiang Qu,
Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215005

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2025-08-23 06:55