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A sprawling indoor steampunk treehouse blending metal and nature inside a futuristic shopping mall.

A 65-Foot Steampunk Treehouse Blossoms Inside Chongqing Mall’s Futuristic Ecosystem

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-09-10

Inside THE RING · GARDEN CITY in Chongqing, China, a breathtaking fusion of nature and imagination awaits. XISUI Design has crafted the “Wonder Tree,” a towering 65-foot installation that merges lush greenery with steampunk aesthetics, creating a stunning arboreal marvel.

Crowd gathered around intricate tree-like structure combining nature and machinery, with lush greenery present.
A crowd of people gathered around a large, intricately designed, tree-like structure that features a mix of natural elements and machinery. The scene is filled with greenery and illuminated by indoor lighting, showcasing a unique blend of nature and art.

An Immersive Botanical Wonderland: The Steampunk Treehouse

The Wonder Tree spans over 43,000 square feet, filled with hundreds of plant species intertwined with copper pipes, gears, and brass walkways. This remarkable edifice appears powered by Victorian steam technology, with functional machinery enhancing the experience.

For more architectural marvels inspired by nature, explore how ZHA designs an urban forest in Baku, blending green-roofed residences with lush landscapes.

Living Plants, Real Technology

Over 200 plant species grow along metal trunks and aerial pathways. Behind its steampunk facade, the installation supports vital infrastructure:

  • Hidden Airflow & Lighting: Fans circulate air to nourish the plants, while specialized grow lights are concealed within vintage brass fixtures.
  • Water Filtration: At ground level, roots purify water, cycling it through the “World Eye” portal, creating an indoor waterfall.
Large indoor tree in bustling atrium surrounded by visitors, greenery, and a water feature present.
A bustling atrium with a large indoor tree surrounded by visitors, featuring lush greenery and a water feature.
Close-up of bronze mechanical structure with scales, fan, and greenery, showcasing steampunk design.
Close-up of a mechanical structure resembling a steampunk design, featuring bronze-colored scales, a fan, and surrounding greenery.

Journey Through the Canopy of the Unique Installation

The structure invites exploration across its themed floors:

  • Level 1: The Seed Museum: Developed with the Chongqing Natural History Museum, this base acts as a seed vault, educating visitors through interactive touchscreens and motorized display cylinders.
  • Level 2: The Gene Cabin: Here, seedlings thrive in glass capsules around a panoramic window overlooking the mall.
  • Levels 3 & 4: The Canopy: Bridges and decks amidst misting nozzles and foliage offer sweeping views across the atrium.
Steampunk-inspired structure with metallic elements and potted plants intertwined with trees.
A steampunk-inspired structure intertwined with trees, featuring metallic elements and potted plants.
Mechanical dragonfly with transparent wings over metallic structure, surrounded by lush green plants.
A close-up view of a mechanical dragonfly with transparent wings, hovering over a curved metallic structure, surrounded by lush green plants and vintage machinery elements.

Steampunk Creatures in Motion

Amidst the greenery, whimsical mechanical creatures await within this fantastical structure. A standout is a 16-foot snail with aviator goggles and rocket boosters, inviting children to climb and slide. Perched higher, copper dragonflies and a mechanical Chinese dragon form part of the enchanting decor.

Discover another unique fusion of tradition and modernity in Kerala’s granite farmhouse, showcasing innovative architectural design.

The Wonder Tree is a playful and imaginative take on indoor green spaces, proving that such designs can inspire and engage through their retro-futuristic elements.

Steampunk-inspired archway with pipes and foliage, leading to futuristic interior with machinery.
View of a steampunk-inspired archway adorned with pipes, glass containers, and foliage, leading into a futuristic interior with machinery and a digital screen.
Whimsical robot sculpture with goggles and mechanical features in lush indoor garden beside staircase.
A whimsical robot sculpture with large goggles and elaborate mechanical features located in a lush indoor garden, alongside a staircase.
Person standing on stone pathway near water feature in lush indoor garden with large trees.
A lush indoor garden featuring large trees and plant life, with a person standing on a stone pathway near a water feature.
Child interacts with touchscreen display in plant-filled environment showcasing educational technology elements.
A child interacting with a large touchscreen display in a lush, plant-filled environment, showcasing technological and educational elements.
People observing lush indoor trees and plants in a spacious atrium setting.
View of people observing lush indoor trees and plants in a spacious atrium.
Child interacting with touchscreen exhibit, surrounded by greenery in nature-themed environment.
A child interacting with a touchscreen exhibit surrounded by lush greenery in a nature-themed environment.
Close-up of metallic planters with greenery attached to decorative framework against natural backdrop.
Close-up of two metallic planters with greenery, attached to a decorative framework, against a backdrop of natural elements.
Modern shopping complex with glass facade illuminated at night, featuring indoor greenery and visible interior.
A modern shopping complex with a glass facade lit up at night, featuring indoor greenery and a visible interior design.
Person standing at bottom of staircase surrounded by greenery and decorative plants, looking up.
A winding staircase surrounded by greenery and decorative plants, with a person standing at the bottom looking up.
Interior view of tree-like structure with plants and greenery, featuring pathway and architectural elements.
Interior view of a unique tree-like structure with plants and greenery, featuring a pathway and architectural design elements.
Modern structure resembling treehouse with lush greenery, intricate wood details, and circular windows.
A modern architectural structure resembling a treehouse, surrounded by lush greenery and vines, with intricate wooden details and large circular windows.
Detailed architectural elevation drawing of Wonder Tree with structural elements and plant designs.
Detailed architectural elevation drawing of the Wonder Tree, showcasing various structural elements such as corridors, mechanical features, and plant-inspired designs.
Architectural drawing of Wonder Tree detailing mechanical features and corridors with plant designs.
Architectural elevation drawing of the Wonder Tree, detailing mechanical elements like the Divine Bird and Dragonfly, along with various corridors and features such as the World Eye and planting cage.
Top plan of Wonder Tree showing levels, pathways, landscaped areas, stairs, and play zones.
Architectural top plan of the Wonder Tree, featuring various levels, pathways, and landscaped areas, including stairs and children’s play zones.
Artistic circular window with steampunk inspiration, set in natural surroundings with mechanical details.
An artistic, steampunk-inspired circular window situated within a natural setting, surrounded by lush greenery and intricate mechanical details.

Source: mossandfog.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the Wonder Tree installation inside THE RING in Chongqing?

The Wonder Tree is a 65-foot installation crafted by XISUI Design that merges lush greenery with steampunk aesthetics, creating an arboreal marvel.

How many plant species are incorporated in the Wonder Tree?

Over 200 plant species grow along the metal trunks and aerial pathways of the Wonder Tree installation.

What can visitors explore on Level 1 of the Wonder Tree?

Level 1, called The Seed Museum, acts as a seed vault developed with the Chongqing Natural History Museum, educating visitors through interactive touchscreens and motorized display cylinders.

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