Peking University Gymnasium 'yields' to 100 year old ancient tree

(BEIJING, Dec. 9) -- The Peking University Gymnasium, PKG, located on the east side of the university's campus, was shifted east in order to preserve Zhibeizi Yuan and 6 ancient trees. Now, a modern building juxtaposed with a traditional garden provides a comfortable outdoor environment for visitors to enjoy the peaceful and elegantly styled campus.

During the initial stage of the gymnasium's construction, there was a preserved courtyard building located to the west of the construction site -- Zhibeizi Yuan, a royal garden built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty. On the southern side of the garden, six ancient trees grew their roots. To preserve this heritage, the PKG has shifted its location east, in order to avoid the garden and the trees. The underground pipelines have also moved with the venue. As a result, a unique "ancient-modern" landscape was formed. The north and south sides of the PKG are designed as the main evacuation channels.