Header: UNIARCH DESIGN
Set within the fabric of Lijiang’s historic old town, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Paralloge-Dayan Xinlin Hotel offers a subtle yet refined dialogue between heritage and contemporary design.
Once home to the old Lijiang Machine Tool Factory and, before that, the residence of Qing dynasty scholar Wang Zhuqi, the site has now been transformed into a heritage boutique hotel that not only preserves its cultural roots but also seamlessly integrates the comforts of modern-day hospitality into its DNA.
While its location alone is already steeped in history, the storytelling reflected in the hotel’s design further expands that richness.
The Art of Blending the Old & New
Paying homage to the Naxi culture in China, the design of the Paralloge hotel incorporates traditional Naxi architectural elements throughout the property, including stone courtyards, tiled roofs, wooden eaves, and the use of local materials such as wood, stone, and copper.
These design features not only emphasise the hotel’s commitment to honouring its heritage but also showcase a distinctive balance between aesthetics and practicality.
“The old house is reborn in the long river of time, where ancient meanings and new ideas blend together to tell the story of Lijiang.”
Building on these traditional elements, the Guangzhou Uniarch Decoration Design team ensured that every detail was carefully crafted to blend with Lijian’s cultural landscape, creating a space that is visually balanced and deeply rooted in local history.
What’s more, the hotel’s elevated layout offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the historic town, providing an authentic Lijiang experience without compromising comfort.
Crafting Memorable Stays With Purposeful Interior Design
Drawing on the use of local materials, traditional craftsmanship has also been carried into the Paralloge Hotel’s interior choices. Guests are instantly greeted by hand-carved wooden furniture, locally crafted artwork, and a variety of textures, all inspired by Naxi culture.
It’s this thoughtful combination of tradition and modern hospitality that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, leaving guests with a lasting and immersive experience.
China has long been a quiet leader in the hospitality space, setting global standards in design, service, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Today, much of the world is starting to pay attention.
Standing as a model example, the Paralloge-Dayan Xinlin Hotel perfectly embodies heritage-led hospitality design in China for all to see.
Instead of erasing the past, the Paralloge Hotel rewrites it by breathing new life into what was once a historical site while staying true to its cultural significance.
The transformation of the Paralloge-Dayan Xinlin Hotel is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between talented professionals. The project was led by Guangzhou Uniarch Decoration Design Co., Ltd, with lead designer Haojian Ye also serving as the architect and interior designer. Supporting the design vision were Shiting Liang and Tina Xie, contributing to the boutique resort’s distinctive character. The development and hospitality operations were overseen by Lijiang Dayan Xinlin Hotel Co., Ltd, who also partnered with DAYAN XINLIN HOTEL for construction.
