The integration of nature and daily life has been considered an ideal way to lead life by the Chinese throughout centuries. A retreat to a life of solitude in nature or a peaceful, slow-paced rural life were favored choices by ancient Chinese.

In modern time, the same philosophy has continued to guide urban planners, designers and architects to upgrade the landscapes of the vast countryside to make it a better home for the rural population and a destination of relaxation for urbanities seeking even a brief escape from the hustle and bustle.

Last year, a renovated granary rose in Wuxing, a village in Deyang city in north of Chengdu, Sichuan province. The granary, which used to be the village clinic and cinema, now functions as an integral compound for displaying agricultural products, training farmers, and a workplace.

The project, designed by SYN Architects, pays tribute to the village's long history in advanced agriculture, and blends itself smartly into the surrounding farmlands and natural views.

Since it allows visitors to enjoy sceneries and the pleasure of rural life, Jingyun Granary recently won a gold medal in the architectural design category presented by the Novum Design Award, an international competition for design.