Rendering of the Cuntan International Cruise Center at the Cuntan International Cruise Home Port. [Photo/Chongqing Daily]

Chongqing municipality released the design plans on Dec 22 for two facilities to be built around the Cuntan International Cruise Home Port located in Liangjiang New Area – they are the Cuntan International Cruise Center and Cruise Home Port Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Complex.

The two facilities will create public spaces that will embody Chongqing's historical background and open attitude to the outside world.

The 6.6-hectare center, which will serve as an important landmark for the city, will make use of several international design concepts and feature Chongqing characteristics. It is expected to become a regional transport and business hub that features six relatively independent orange buildings elevated in the air.

The empty space below the buildings will be used to build parks for residents, connecting Chongqing's CBD with riverside areas. The underground space will provide all traffic functions.

Experts say that from their shape to their color, the two facilities demonstrate the designer's respect for the city's development history.