A striking 33.5-meter-tall observation tower featuring a distinctive moon-shaped viewing platform has been completed in China's Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area in Haikou, Hainan Island. The Lunar Tower, designed by the Architectural Design Research Institute of South China University of Technology, was specifically created to "evoke the serene presence of the moon amidst the surrounding mangrove forest" while serving multiple functions including scientific research, observation, sightseeing, and disaster prevention.

Located strategically near the riverbank at the eastern end of China's first wetland-type nature reserve dedicated to protecting mangrove forests, the cylindrical structure features an outer diameter of approximately 6.5 meters. The tower's most distinctive feature is a circular observation window at the top designed to resemble a full moon, with an interior design that mimics a moon sliver. This unique architectural element is topped with a circular viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The tower's exterior showcases a perforated facade made from low-reflective white aluminum plates, featuring a dynamic pattern inspired by the distinctive shapes of mangrove tree leaves. This thoughtful design integration helps the structure blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings while maintaining its function as a landmark. The building's ground-level foyer was strategically positioned to sit at the highest tide level of the river, ensuring accessibility even during peak water conditions.

Three viewing platforms are arranged at different elevations throughout the tower, all connected by a spiraling staircase positioned at the structure's center. The lowest platform, situated 12 meters above ground level, faces the mangrove forest to the west and provides an ideal vantage point for closely observing both the mangrove ecosystem and migrating bird species. At 24 meters height, a long rectangular opening creates a viewing platform that overlooks the forest canopy and distant villages beyond.

The tower's uppermost circular platform offers visitors a comprehensive panorama encompassing the lush mangrove canopy, the urban cityscape of Haikou, and expansive sea views that extend beyond the river. This multi-level design ensures that visitors can experience different perspectives of the protected ecosystem while minimizing environmental impact through controlled access points.

"Since the observation tower is located within a mangrove ecological reserve, its design must minimize environmental impact while serving as a landmark for the protected area," explained the Architectural Design Research Institute of South China University of Technology (SCUTAD). "We aim to create a serene and natural ambiance, integrating into the site's environment." This commitment to environmental sensitivity is evident throughout the project's design and construction approach.

Environmental considerations heavily influenced the tower's construction methodology. A deliberate gap between the internal spiraling staircase and the exterior walls creates an ecological buffer layer, specifically designed to minimize the impact of human activities on migrating birds that use the area as a critical habitat. This innovative approach demonstrates how modern architecture can coexist with sensitive ecological systems.

The lighting design follows a similar philosophy of environmental integration. SCUTAD reduced internal light sources and concentrated illumination on the top circular viewing platform. The facade lighting system randomly illuminates different sections of the tower, designed to mimic twinkling stars surrounding a bright moon, creating a poetic nighttime presence that complements rather than disrupts the natural environment.

Despite being a lightweight structure, the Lunar Tower was engineered to withstand the substantial wind loads common in this typhoon-prone region. Each level is supported by 18 parallel steel pipe columns, interconnected by staircase ribs and ring beams at the three viewing platforms. The steel pipes are filled with C40 concrete below the 12-meter viewing platform, which according to SCUTAD, enables the entire structure to withstand Category 15 typhoon conditions.

The project represents a broader architectural philosophy that prioritizes harmony between human activities and natural ecosystems. "The Lunar Tower epitomizes the ethos of facilitating human-nature interaction and harmonizing architecture with the natural surroundings," stated SCUTAD. "Moonrise over mangroves by the celestial shoreline, serving as a beloved public space and cultural landmark, the design outcome serves as a fitting illustration of this objective."

The tower joins other notable observation structures recently completed across China, including Open Architecture's 50-meter-tall conical Sun Tower and the spiraling Panda Tower designed by Shanghai United Design Group, which resembles a bamboo shoot. The project was led by architects He Jingtang, Bao Ying, and Pei Yue, with a comprehensive team including structural, electrical, and specialized curtain wall designers. The completed structure encompasses a gross built area of 205.97 square meters and stands as a testament to sustainable architectural design in sensitive ecological environments.