Hubei China Han Decoration Design Co.Ltd · CLIENT: Hubei China Han Decoration Design Co., Ltd.
Whytime Shantou is a hotel interior located in Shantou, China. The design preserves the historic Qilou facade and adapts the building for hotel use across 2225 square meters. A full height light atrium improves daylight and ventilation and guides movement through the interior. Traditional elements such as Qilou arches and red-tipped junks are abstracted in a modern and minimalist manner. Materials include local red brick, terrazzo, travertine and mother of pearl. The Tea Route Trail changes from breakfast venue to cafe and bar during the day.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This project seamlessly integrates cultural preservation with modern design to create a dynamic "Cultural Museum of the Overseas Chinese Legacy." Unlike conventional hotels, it offers an immersive, multi-dimensional experience, blending historical elements like the Qilou arches and Red-Tipped Junks with modern aesthetics. The design fosters a dialogue between history and contemporary space, providing guests with an engaging cultural journey while enhancing local community interaction.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The project covers an area of 2225 square meters, with a combination of materials such as Nacre Art Paint, Beige Travertine, Marble Mosaic, Limestone Tile, and Foamed Ceramic Tile. The design preserves the historic Qilou facade while introducing modern elements like a full height "Light Atrium" to enhance lighting and ventilation. The layout includes dynamic spaces, such as the "Tea Route Trail," which transitions from breakfast venue to cafe and bar, promoting flexibility and functional efficiency.
- Tags
- Cultural Hotel, Overseas Chinese Legacy, Qilou Architecture, Shantou Heritage, Immersive Experience, Modern Minimalist Design, Sustainable Architecture, Historical Preservation, Dynamic Spaces, Community Engagement
- Production Technology
- The design integrates modern and sustainable construction techniques, including a "Light Atrium" to improve ventilation and lighting in the preserved Qilou structure. Key materials such as local red brick, terrazzo, and imported mother of pearl are used to blend aesthetics with environmental responsibility. The deconstruction of traditional elements like Qilou arches is achieved through sculptural precision, combining modern functionality with cultural significance.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was balancing the preservation of the historic Qilou facade with modern hotel amenities. The design also avoided cliched representations of Overseas Chinese culture by abstracting traditional elements, ensuring a fresh and unique experience. This was achieved through innovative spatial solutions that also foster community engagement, creating dynamic, adaptable spaces.
- Project Duration
- The project started in January 2024 and finished in July 2025 in China.
- Operation Flow
- The design fosters fluid movement through spaces, with areas like the "Tea Route Trail" changing throughout the day to cater to different functions. The guest experience unfolds from the "Returning Sails" to the "Red Junk Harbor" and "Tea Route Trail," creating an immersive cultural journey. The "Light Atrium" acts as a central hub, guiding visitors and enhancing the spatial experience.
- Research
- Research focused on integrating Shantou's cultural history with modern hotel needs. Methods included studying local architecture, interviewing residents, and observing guest behavior. The design combines cultural heritage with contemporary functionality, creating a space that connects guests with the local community while respecting the original architecture.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by the rich heritage of Shantou's Xiaogongyuan historic district and the memories of Overseas Chinese culture, the project reflects the essence of traditional elements like Qilou arcades and Red-Tipped Junks. The design avoids retro stylization, instead focusing on abstracting these symbols through a modern, minimalist approach to evoke a fresh narrative dialogue between past and present, offering an innovative interpretation of local cultural identity.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Photographer Shanghai Xinji Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., Whytime Shantou, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer Shanghai Xinji Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., Whytime Shantou, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer Shanghai Xinji Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., Whytime Shantou, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer Shanghai Xinji Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., Whytime Shantou, 2025.
Image #5: Photographer Shanghai Xinji Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., Whytime Shantou, 2025.
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