Located in the heart of Beijing's Financial Street, Huixian Lou stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity. Han Ao's vision was to create a space that exudes peace and elegance, providing an escape from the chaos of the outside world. The restaurant's name, which translates to "Gathering Place for Literati," pays homage to the largest restaurant in Kaifeng, Bianliang, during the Northern Song Dynasty.
The exterior of Huixian Lou is adorned with a pale gray hazy metal grid, a modern expression of traditional culture. This subtle oriental beauty sets the tone for the entire dining experience. As guests step inside, they are enveloped in a serene atmosphere, shielded from the noise and distractions of the outside world. The multiple layers of hazy metal grids create a sense of filtering, allowing only tranquility to permeate the space.
With a project area of 860 square meters, Huixian Lou offers a variety of dining spaces, each meticulously designed to transport guests to a different realm. The small hall on the right features a six-meter-high wall where art videos from the renowned Art Basel in Hong Kong are projected. The ever-changing visuals, accompanied by the surging fog, create a metaphor for the cycles of life. A stage, surrounded by semi-translucent gauze, floats in the air, where nightly harp performances take place, captivating guests with their ethereal melodies.
The design of Huixian Lou aims to evoke a sense of time-travel, as if guests have stumbled upon a hidden oasis in the wilderness, a peaceful garden, or a study room from the Southern Song Dynasty. The meticulous attention to detail and the seamless integration of traditional elements create an atmosphere of awe and wonder. It is a place where guests can find surprises, happiness, and nourishment for the soul.
Huixian Lou is not just a restaurant; it is an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty of art, architecture, and design. Han Ao's creation has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award honors designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life.
Step into Huixian Lou and embark on a journey through time, where gourmet food, amazing scenery, and beautiful utensils converge to create an unforgettable dining experience. Discover the tranquility of the past in the heart of Beijing's bustling Financial Street.
Project Designers: Ao Han
Image Credits: Photographer Wu Bing, 2019
Project Team Members: Ao Han
Project Name: Huixian Lou
Project Client: Ao Han