2021 Hua Chenyu Mars Concert: A Stage Beyond Imagination

Innovative stage design merges music, nature, and technology in Haikou

Peng Guo, Ka Ping Kwok, and Bin Li orchestrated a groundbreaking stage for the 2021 Hua Chenyu Mars Concert, departing from conventional indoor venues to embrace the lush outdoor lawns of Haikou. This bold move established a new paradigm for music festivals, where the boundaries between performance and environment dissolve. During daylight, the stage design fostered a harmonious connection between music and nature, allowing attendees to enjoy melodies amidst scenic surroundings. As night fell, dynamic lighting and immersive sound transformed the venue into a multisensory spectacle, captivating both eyes and ears.

Central to the concert’s visual narrative was the "Martian Treehouse" main stage, a 25-meter-tall structure evoking both the mystery of Mars and the vitality of a fantastical treehouse. This imaginative centerpiece invited audiences into a universe of exploration and wonder. Complementing it, the "home stage" provided a more intimate setting for interactive performances, reinforcing the concert’s welcoming theme and offering a sense of warmth and belonging to every guest.

Technical ingenuity was evident throughout the design. The main stage spanned an impressive 74 meters in width and 33 meters in depth, while the "home stage" featured a cozy, two-level layout. A 60-meter-long extension platform connected these spaces, ingeniously integrating advanced audio systems to ensure pristine sound quality for every attendee, regardless of their location. Collaboration between stage and audio teams was crucial in overcoming the acoustic challenges posed by the expansive outdoor setting.

Beyond its architectural feats, the stage design aimed to evoke emotion and inspire reflection. Through carefully curated lighting, visual effects, and spatial arrangements, the concert encouraged a deeper connection between performers and audience, while subtly communicating positive social values and sparking interest in art and culture. The design’s adaptability allowed it to seamlessly transition from vibrant daytime festivities to the enchanting ambiance of a star-lit night, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

The 2021 Hua Chenyu Mars Concert stage stands as a testament to the power of innovative design in shaping unforgettable cultural moments. Recognized with the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in 2025, this project exemplifies how art, technology, and nature can converge to create extraordinary impact, setting a new standard for live event experiences worldwide.

By pioneering a concert format that celebrates both human creativity and the natural world, Peng Guo, Ka Ping Kwok, and Bin Li have not only advanced the art of stage design but also inspired future collaborations at the intersection of music, architecture, and technology.