Hotel Indigo Sayram Lake

Located within the scenic expanse of Sayram Lake, the project offers a retreat where nature, culture, and hospitality converge. Inspired by the westward journeys of Han-dynasty princesses Xijun and Jieyou, who married into the Wusun court as part of historic political alliances, the design translates the encounter between Han traditions and nomadic culture into a contemporary spatial narrative.
The arrival sequence evokes the princesses’ ceremonial procession. Han carriage elements and bronze motifs across the floor recall the princesses’ westward journeys, while jewel-inlaid leather detailing evokes their ornate trunks. A colonnade of red pillars conjures horses galloping through a sea of flowers. In the lobby, pendant glass lights draw inspiration from the canopy of ancient Han carriages, while the reception desk reinterprets the carriage’s arched silhouette through a sculptural form, balancing the solidity of bronze with the lightness of modern materials. The lobby lounge evokes a wedding ceremony, where metal, Han silk and feathers intertwine, creating a dialogue between Han heritage and nomadic aesthetics, complemented by furnishings inspired by the intricate craftsmanship of Wusun jewellery.
The café evokes a lakeside celebration, with translucent acrylic capturing the ethereal beauty of Sayram Lake’s frozen bubbles. The fitness center is conceived as an arena of nomadic strength, featuring archery-inspired details, cork textures, and metal screens that draw on traditional embroidery and bow motifs. The Chinese restaurant evokes the wonder of flight, where eagle-wing motifs and artistic installations capture the graceful gestures of birds spreading their wings, composing a dynamic visual narrative. The multifunctional hall takes design cues from the landscape of Guozigou Valley through an artistic reinterpretation of limestone textures and fruit tree shadows, creating an immersive ambience.
Yurt-inspired guestrooms draw on local red willow weaving and white felt, with ceilings inspired by arched domes and timber frameworks. The island counter merges the imagery of a princess’s dressing case with locally crafted wooden cabinetry. The May Lily-themed guestrooms are accented with pinkish violet velvet, honoring Princess Jieyou’s resilience—creating an atmosphere where tenderness and quiet strength intertwine.
Beyond hospitality, the project unfolds as an immersive journey into Wusun culture.