Poking out of a vast bamboo forest is a golden structure that looks like it was woven by birds or small woodland creatures. Organic in shape, its form billows above the ground, creating a protected space beneath it. Located in the Karst Mountains of Yangshuo County in southern China, this pavilion leads visitors on an immersive journey to “Impression Sanjie Liu,” a theatrical performance staged on a small island of the Li River.

Appropriately named “Bamboo Bamboo,” the pavilion is made of the same materials by which it’s surrounded. Architecture firm LLLab has succeeded in creating a sensory experience that elicits a sense of anticipation — a sort of pre-performance meditation as guests make their way to the outdoor theater. The pavilion offers a place to retreat from the sun and frequent rains, stretching out a full 140 meters (459 feet) along the river. Lanterns set at various intervals create a soft, warm glow after dark, and in some areas, cutouts in the roof allow living bamboo to grow unencumbered. Amazingly, this canopy was hand-woven by local craftspeople using a technique that eliminates the need for any glue or nails. The result is remarkably nest-like, with support pillars hidden behind the woven surfaces.

“Impression Sanjie Liu” makes the landscape its backdrop. In fact, this site is considered the world’s largest natural theater, using the waters of the Li River as its stage and the mist-shrouded hills ...