Sinuous Red Stairwell Wraps Through and Around Buildings in Nanjing, China

In Nanjing’s historic Qinhuai River district, a bright red staircase now winds its way through the old cityscape—part sculpture, part walkway, and all eye-catching.

Designed by Dayi Design, the project—nicknamed “Red Lobster”—transforms a traditional riverside site into a modern space for dining and gathering.

The flowing red form connects several older buildings, creating new paths and unexpected views. Inspired by the shape of a crayfish (a local favorite) and the protective dragons of Chinese legend, the design honors the past while boldly stepping into the present.

Rather than tearing down what was there, the designers reused materials like Taihu stone and worked around the site’s original bones.

The result is a vibrant blend of old and new—a place where people can explore, relax, and soak in the city’s layered history, one red step at a time.