Many people who have seen the China Pavilion at the Beijing International Horticultural Expo call it a combination of ancient Chinese wisdom and green technology innovation. Architects spent almost 5 years on research, design, and construction to create the pavilion, but there were in fact some challenges and major changes in the process. CGTN reporter Wang Mengzhen sat down with one of its chief designers to find out more.

WANG MENGZHEN BEIJING "As one of the chief designers for the China pavilion, could you share with us some behind-the-scenes stories in the process of designing it?"

PROF. JING QUAN, SENIOR ARCHITECT CHINA ARCHITECTURE DESIGN GROUP "We started the research at the end of 2014 and participated in the bidding in 2015. But just days ahead of the bid submission, we made a rather bold decision. Originally we wanted to design the pavilion with a circular shape like this. Then we changed that to this semi-circular building, to better include the natural surroundings and it's also in the shape of the ancient Chinese ornament called Ruyi, symbol of good luck.  Nestling the local mountains and the Gui river, the design shows its openness and welcomes visitors from around the world."

WANG MENGZHEN BEIJING "We know many elements of ancient Chinese wisdom have been incorporated into this pavilion, what message would you like to send to global visitors this time?"

PROF. JING QUAN, SENIOR ARCHITECT CHINA ARCHITECTURE DESIGN GROUP "In the earliest collection of Chinese verses, namely the 'book of songs', one poem describes the eaves of ancient architecture stretching gracefully like a birds'wings. That's exactly where we got the inspiration when designing the pavilion's curved roof. And through the whole design of a farmhouse with terraced fields and a courtyard surrounded by mountains and rivers, we wanted to create a picturesque countryside view and an authentic farm life thanks to China's long history of agricultural civilization. Farming is deeply rooted in Chinese gardening and that's the wisdom China would like to convey to the world."

WANG MENGZHEN BEIJING "Apart from the traditional philosophies, green technology is said to be another highlight of the design this time. How did you manage to include it?"

PROF. JING QUAN, SENIOR ARCHITECT CHINA ARCHITECTURE DESIGN GROUP "The prototype of the China pavilion is a huge green house. Through the special material on the roof, solar energy is collected to generate power for the pavilion. And with a rainfall collection and storage system, processed rainwater can be used to irrigate the terraced fields nearby. Another unique setting is we've made the best underground air conditioning tunnels which are easily found in residences of northern China to lower the pavilion's energy consumption. Throughout 40 years' of reform and opening-up, we gradually realized that our ancient farming and nature has much more to offer and that's why our team and fellow Chinese architects should dig in deep in the future."