Chuan San Hao: A Nostalgic Journey Through Design

Yiming Zhu's Train Hotpot Restaurant Wins A' Design Award

The Chuan San Hao restaurant is not just a dining space but a time capsule that transports its guests back to the era of leisurely train travel. The design, inspired by the slower pace of life associated with the green-skinned trains of China's past, aims to rekindle the warmth of human connections often lost in today's fast-paced society. This sentiment resonates with the vision of Anaya's founder, Mr. Ma Yin, and is masterfully encapsulated in the spatial design by Yiming Zhu.

What sets Chuan San Hao apart is its commitment to authenticity. The restaurant incorporates actual train carriages, complete with the rhythmic "clanging" sounds that evoke a sense of nostalgia. These carriages are strategically placed along the wetland shoreline, offering diners panoramic views that bridge the gap between nature, space, and emotion. The central kitchen carriage serves as a hub, connecting the dining compartments and ensuring an unobtrusive service flow.

The realization of this project required meticulous attention to detail and innovative solutions. The carriages were retrofitted with modern amenities such as insulation materials and dual exhaust systems, all while preserving the exterior's historic integrity. The design also addresses the challenges posed by the coastal climate of Qinhuangdao, ensuring a comfortable dining experience regardless of the season.

Yiming Zhu's Chuan San Hao project stands as a testament to the power of design in creating immersive experiences. The restaurant's interior evokes the steam era's aesthetic, with station signs, antique clocks, and benches contributing to the ambiance. It's a place where every detail, from the subdued color palette to the strategic partitioning of private dining carriages, is thoughtfully curated to enhance the guest experience.

The Chuan San Hao project's success is a result of overcoming numerous challenges, including environmental considerations, operational efficiency, and customer experience. The result is a space that not only provides a feast for the palate but also for the soul, as it reconnects diners with a bygone era of travel and tranquility. With its Bronze A' Design Award, the project is recognized for its creative ingenuity and its contribution to elevating the quality of life through design.

Yiming Zhu's Chuan San Hao stands as a beacon of design excellence, where the past is preserved, and the future of dining is reimagined. It is a space that tells a story, invites connection, and offers a serene escape from the modern world, all while providing a window to the picturesque wetlands of Anaya, Qinhuangdao.