QingYan Studio
QingYan Studio
We are a Shanghai-based architectural photography studio specializing in professional architectural and spatial imagery. The studio focuses on delivering clear, vibrant, and highly legible imagery that accurately conveys spatial logic and design intent, supporting architectural firms in publications, competitions, and project presentations.
The studio is founded by architectural photographer Qingyan Zhu in 2019, who graduated from School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). From 2017 to 2019, he trained with the renowned Chicago-based architectural photography studio Hedrich Blessing Photographers (now Hall+Merrick Photographers), known for its long-term documentation of modernist architecture, including works by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). During this period, he participated in the photography and post-production of several significant projects.
The studio partner, Zixi Chen, graduated from Politecnico di Milano with a strong architectural and interior design background, contributes to the studio's work through architectural understanding and spatial analysis.
The studio's work has been published in leading architectural media such as ArchDaily, Dezeen, A+U, Gooood, Archiposition, Architectural Practice, etc., and was featured in Issue 32 of Chinese Architectural Photographers by Archiposition.
Publication and Awards
2025
Architizer A+Awards: Popular Choice Winner,Xi'an CCBD by Heatherwick Studio
APR IID Awards: Gold Award, Bosch Global Flagship Showroom SH by HATCH Architects
London Design Awards: Gold Winner, Microscopic Shanshui by Uncommon Architects
Dezeen Awards: Rebirth Project Shortlisted, Renovation of SH Relay Factory by HCCH Studio
Dezeen Awards: Mixed-use Project Shortlisterd, Xi'an CCBD by Heatherwick Studio
2024
AMP Photography Awards: Winner, Transaction Succeed Office by One House Design
AMP Photography Awards: Winner, Hangzhou Wangchao Center by SOM
AMP Photography Awards: Winner, Peng's House by L&M Design Lab
BLT Design Awards: Winner Award in the Architectural Design, MAX Technology Park SH by HATCH Architects
Dezeen Awards: Top 10 Chinese architecture projects of 2024, Twisted Brick Shell Concept Library by HCCH Studio
Chinese Real Estate Design Awards: Gold Award, Hangzhou Wangchao Center by SOM
CTBUH Awards: Award of Excellence, Hangzhou Wangchao Center by SOM
IDA Design Awards: Bronze Award in the Industrial and Infrastructure Category, Yongchun Red Vinegar Factory by LEL Design Lab
2023
Architizer A+ Vision Awards Urban Photograph: Special Mention
Architizer A+Awards: Jury Winner and Popular Choice Winner,1000 Trees Phase 1 by Heatherwick Studio
Dezeen Awards: Mixed-use Project Shortlisted, 1000 Trees Phase 1 by Heatherwick Studio
Moët Hennessy Diageo Shanghai HQ by BNJN Design included in Architectural Digest (CN) 2023: AD100
Ganzo Dream World included in Tadao Ando Complete Works
ARCHINA Top 10 Architecture Awards: ZEEKR Center Yangcheng Lake by HATCH Architects
Asian Design Awards: Gold Award in the Commercial Exhibition Architecture Category, International Digital Sea Investment and Exhibition Center by Hatch Architects
2022
ArchDaily Best Architectural Models: Yongchun Red Vinegar Factory by LEL Design Lab
AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards: ARCH XL Citations of Merit, Shanghai International Financial Center by FGP Atelier + Jahn/
CTBUH Best Tall Building: Finalist, Shanghai International Financial Center by FGP Atelier + Jahn/
APAlmanac Project of the Year Shortisted
2021
RICS China Awards: Urban Regeneration of the Year Excellence Award, Zhangjiang Landsea Center by HATCH Architects
Qingyan Zhu included in ArchPosition's article "40 Active Chinese Architectural Photographers"
2020
Qingyan Zhu Reviewed by ArchPosition in "Chinese Architectural Photographers" Session 32
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© 2026 QingYan Studio. All Rights Reserved. Site by Zenglujin.
© 2026 QingYan Studio. All Rights Reserved. Site by Zenglujin.
The Launch
Client: Practice on Earth + Arc Z. Photographed in 2025.
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