Header: threeimages
Beijing DJX Design redefined the conventional idea of a high-end hotel by incorporating cultural elements of Chengdu into the architectural plan of the Zhonghong Wyndham Grand Hotel. Thus, the company designed a luxurious hospitality space with narrative and emotions, resulting in a tourist destination deeply rooted in the city.
A city-inspired design
It is believed that Chengdu’s composed, slow-paced character derives from its location on the Chengdu Plain, which has possessed a stabilising quality dating back to ancient times. Located in the proximity of the 5,000-meter-high Xiling Snow Mountain and bordered by the natural barriers of the Sichuan Basin, the city developed a unique but inclusive cultural tradition.
The hotel is based on the old Western Sichuan residencies, where farmhouses resided alongside trees and bamboo groves. Made of timber frames, woven bamboo walls, and green tile roofs, these residences were often referred to as linpan (farmsteads). The hotel draws from this tradition, recreating it in an abstracted way with modern materials and construction techniques.
The entrance to the Zhonghong Wyndham Grand Hotel
The hotel lobby evokes tranquillity with minimalist aesthetics. The golden light strip that moves all the way to the ceiling is the central point of the lobby, while the reception desk’s curved surface evokes a notion of a hug. The designers used a traditional technique of alternating downward and upward placement of small grey tiles to create a wavy texture. The tiles symbolise time, while the mosaic materials radiate in silver shine, mirroring a starry night sky.
Lounge and bar area
Wood and metal in the lounge and bar area replicate the texture of woven bamboo and mud walls of traditional houses in China’s Western Sichuan region. The colours and scents additionally soften the essence of a large, solid building. The presence of traditional imagery in dining areas or partitions in public spaces enriches the experiential density. Abstract lines, earthy colours, material fibres, and art highlight both local identity and openness to the future. A digital water curtain that falls from the ceiling adds to the visual excitement.
The details present in the public areas extend into the guest rooms. The scale of guest room furnishing is precisely orchestrated, ensuring an optimal guest experience. Culling from Chengdu’s colour palette, the guest room features shades of sand, grey-green, and misty white. Linen cotton, leather, and marble materials were chosen to emphasise comfort and a sense of security. The rooms ensure a connection to the surrounding landscape through carefully positioned windows.
The renovated Zhonghong Wyndham Grand Hotel establishes an unbreakable connection to the city. More than just an international hotel, it is a destination to be experienced and remembered. The visit transforms from a simple stay into a precious ritual of restoring vitality and engaging in dialogue with the city.
Technical Sheet
Project Name: Zhonghong Wyndham Grand Hotel
Architecture Firm: Beijing DJX Design
Location: Chengdu, China
Area: 27,000 sqm/290,625.58 sq ft
Lead Director: Wang Bing
Design Firm: Beijing DJX Design
Copywriting: NARJEELING
Project Planning: Le Brand Strategy Agency
Photographer: threeimages
