Header: 1988 Photography Studio
The Jinkunge Copper Hot Pot interior design, made by IN.X and creative director Wu Wei, draws from the rich Chinese heritage. Jinkunge Copper Hot Pot is conveniently located in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, China. Situated in the Guanzhong Plain (which is neither a mountain nor a coastal location), the city forms deep cultural ties with the space. The space opened by the growing brand will serve as the template for the future chain locations. The design was completed in 2025.
Warm textures, soft light
The IN.X design strategy focused on taking the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda as its soul and urban vitality as its thread. Believing that there’s no separation between past and present, only continuity, the designers aimed to turn the Jinkunge Copper Hot Pot into a portal that can take you back to history but also introduce visions of the future. By pushing the glass door with a wooden handle, visitors enter into the gentle threshold marked with the warm texture of the material and soft lighting.
The philosophy of the two Chang’ans
Water-washed sandstone, combined with earthy, organic yellows and carbonised wood, awakens the senses upon entering the hall. And while the colour palette connects visitors to the earth, carbonised wood mirrors cave dwellings and wooden structures of traditional Yaodong caves. The light brings out fine golden sparks shimmering on the ink-toned bricks, while urban nightlight and muted red hues embody the design expression of two Chang’ans (ancient and modern, interior and exterior), which blend through large glass windows.
Intention of the Space
Attention-grabbing red lanterns emanate a rich glow through the space. The waiting area provides a view of the dining zone and the open kitchen where everything happens – from savoury aromas to the movement of staff. The kitchen is screened by booths to mirror the inner city of ancient Chang’an, marked with broad streets, low, well-lit buildings, and weaving rivers of warmth. Much like city walls, the booths feature traditional Chinese arches similar to city gates while simultaneously evoking Loess Plateau cave living.
Inner dining area and private room
Moving toward the inner dining area reveals a symbolic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The quiet, sturdy structure lacks bracket sets and columns but still manages to portray its signature tapering form. The LED lights embedded in the walls create a rhythm of diners’ mood while simultaneously lighting details of the design. Private room corners are equipped with paper lanterns, aged pottery, and carbonised wood grain. Small copper chandeliers reminiscent of inverted pagodas give way to natural light during the day. Artistic mirrors decorate the restrooms.
The Jinkunge Copper Hot Pot design successfully bridges historical symbolism with contemporary spatial storytelling through materiality, lighting, and architectural references. It stands as a compelling prototype for future locations, embodying both cultural continuity and modern urban experience.
Technical sheet
Name: Jinkunge Copper Hot Pot
Location: Xi’an, China
Area: 630 ㎡ / 6,781 sq ft
Interior Design: IN.X
Creative Director: Wu Wei
Design Team: Liang Pengfei, Jia Qifeng, Wu Qibiao, Qu Zheng, Li Hongyuan, Yuan Meng
Interior Furnishing: Song Jiangli, Li Weiwei
Lighting Support: Beijing Luminosity Technology
Furniture Support: Play Wood Workshop (Xiamen)
Project Planning: LE Brand Strategy Agency
