2026 | Professional

French Design Awards Platinum Winner

Guangzhou Wanbo Mehood Elegant Hotel, Panyu(Flagship)

Entrant

JDKJ Design

Category

Interior Design - Hotels & Resorts

Client's Name

Guangzhou Yayu Hotel Co., Ltd.

Country / Region

China

Nestled within a super high-rise landmark in Guangzhou's Panyu Wanbo CBD, the project embraces the design philosophy of "Tradition Regenerated," creating a tranquil Lingnan-inspired hospitality experience amid a vibrant urban setting. Rooted in Guangzhou's rich cultural heritage, the design integrates traditional regional identity with contemporary luxury hospitality, transforming the hotel into both a premium destination and a cultural showcase.
Inspired by Guangzhou's commercial history, the Thirteen Factories, and authentic Lingnan traditions, the design reinterprets iconic cultural elements through a contemporary lens. Custom art installations recreate the architectural language of historic arcade buildings with arched colonnades, carved window frames, and Baroque-inspired detailing, while traditional Manchu windows are reimagined using geometric stained glass compositions that produce dynamic light and shadow throughout the interiors. The reception backdrop further draws inspiration from the elegant lines and frog-button details of the traditional Chinese cheongsam, presenting local culture in a refined and contemporary form.
The spatial planning fully leverages the advantages of the super high-rise structure to create a layered functional experience. The 55th-floor sky lobby features an ultra-high ceiling, a monumental Wuer Wall-inspired art installation, and panoramic city views that connect the skyline with the historic atmosphere of old Guangzhou. The ground-floor lobby references the spatial layout of traditional Lingnan courtyards while incorporating Southeast Asian influences, creating a welcoming environment that combines hospitality with cultural exhibition.
A carefully curated material palette of solid wood, rattan, retro tiles, bronze finishes, and stained glass establishes a warm and elegant visual identity. Artistic details, including crystal chandeliers inspired by Wuer Wall forms, vintage furnishings, floral bird screens, and lush greenery, create a harmonious dialogue between Lingnan refinement and tropical charm.
Local cultural heritage is further expressed through intangible cultural artworks such as Jiaozhi pottery, Shiwan lion dance ceramics, and motifs inspired by dragon boat racing and lion dances. By seamlessly integrating architecture, art, craftsmanship, and regional culture, the project delivers an immersive hospitality experience while offering a contemporary interpretation of Lingnan aesthetics and establishing a distinctive model for culturally driven luxury hotel design.

Credits

Chief Designer
Felix Lin
Assistant Designer
Yiqing Lin
Assistant Designer
Zijie Deng
Assistant Designer
Keren Chung
Assistant Designer
Jianyu Huang
Assistant Designer
Ziting Chen
Assistant Designer
Jianmin Lin
Assistant Designer
Jinju Lai
Assistant Designer
Jie Li
Assistant Designer
Zhuoxin Zheng
Assistant Designer
Yixin Ma
Photographer
Shangzhi Lili Photography Studio
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