Header: Jian Quan Wu
At Ni Hao Hotel in Chengdu, the simple, familiar Mandarin greeting “hello” becomes the foundation for an entire hospitality experience.
From the moment guests arrive, every inch of the hotel reflects the warmth, politeness, and openness embedded in its name and in Chinese culture, setting the tone for an inviting guest experience.
Modern reinterpretation of Chinese culture
Located in the bustling Jinjiang District of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the Ni Hao Hotel is surrounded by lively streets and local markets that capture the vibrant rhythms of everyday life, making it a natural fit for its surroundings.
Positioned within the economy hotel sector and a recipient of the 2024 LIV Hospitality Design Awards for Interior Design in the Economy Hotel category, the hotel challenges conventional expectations of budget-friendly accommodations.
Guided by Shanghai-based Vermilion Zhou Design Group’s design philosophy, its thoughtful, design-forward interiors reimagine the economy hotel experience by combining cultural richness, contemporary aesthetics, and practical functionality to create a space that feels both warm and memorable, offering high-quality hospitality without breaking the bank.
“We may be a budget hotel, but guests should feel they have come somewhere special, somewhere enjoyable, easy and welcoming.”
Ray Chou, Founder of Vermilion Zhou Design Group
At the core of the hotel’s design is the idea of cultural familiarity viewed through a contemporary lens, reinterpreting everyday Chinese culture through subtle design choices rather than overt symbolism or literal references.
The design team intentionally drew inspiration from familiar social rhythms, local street life, shared spaces, and traditional materials, and distilled them into a cohesive spatial language for the hotel. One that feels approachable and authentic, mirroring the characteristics of Chinese culture.
Multifunctional layout and warm tones
Softened colour palettes and layered textures reflect Chengdu’s urban fabric, with warm tones and tactile finishes drawing inspiration from the laidback sensibility of the neighbourhood teahouses and communal spaces.
Rather than replicating the past through literal references to Chinese culture, the interiors are quietly rooted in place, reframing cultural memory in a way that resonates with today’s travellers. Here, the design balances cultural expression with the clarity and comfort of contemporary hospitality.
“We had some fun along the way. We were trying to celebrate Chinese culture and modernity. But ultimately, we wanted to bring a smile to the faces of guests and passers-by.”
Ray Chou, Founder of Vermilion Zhou Design Group
As guests enter the lobby, they walk into an open-plan design that seamlessly merges the reception, café, and lounge into a single, dynamic space — the pulse of the hotel. Rarely seen in economy accommodations, this fluid, multifunctional layout fosters a sense of connection and community, elevating the guest experience beyond conventional expectations.
The spirit of the neighbourhood
Fully glazed façades and folding windows open the interior to the street, bringing in natural light, while circular furniture and bold patterns create a lively yet approachable atmosphere that complements the openness of the space. With that, the lobby transforms into a welcoming and vibrant environment where guests can pause, interact, and experience the spirit of the neighbourhood.
The guest rooms at Ni Hao Hotel continue the hotel’s narrative in a calmer, more subtle setting. Thoughtful layouts balance practicality with comfort, with cultural motifs woven into the furniture, lighting, and finishes.
Ni Hao Hotel proves that thoughtful design can elevate even economy accommodations. By embracing a contemporary Oriental design philosophy, the team created a space that is both visually engaging and culturally resonant, setting a new benchmark for budget hospitality and transforming everyday stays into meaningful experiences that linger long after guests say “Ni Hao”.
