The design of a customs checkpoint in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone is a combination of aesthetics and modern technology.

The lobby of the main office building at a customs checkpoint in the Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

The main office building at the checkpoint, which is situated near Haixia Bridge, adopts a post-modern architecture style, which gives it tremendous artistic sense, according to designer Deng Jun.

The wall covering the building has two layers, one made of glass and the other aluminum plates. It keeps out strong sunlight

The building, divided into two parts, is connected by a sky bridge, which is a metaphor for the friendship and common development of Pingtan and Taiwan, he said.

The sky bridge appears to be wrapped in diamonds from the outside, and looks like butterflies spreading their wings inside.

Standing on the sky bridge will give pedestrians the illusion of traveling in a space-time tunnel, said designer Wang Jie.

The checkpoint was expected to occupy urban land of more than 60,000 square meters. But in the end it only takes up about 16,000 sq meters of urban land due to scientific planning, Deng said.