Pu Tang: Nature and Artistry Meet in Nanjing Dining

Yunhai Zhao’s restaurant blends landscape, culture, and refined hospitality.

Located in the heart of Nanjing, Pu Tang stands as a testament to the seamless integration of architecture and nature. The restaurant’s design introduces a visual corridor that draws the outdoors inside, featuring ecological stones, water elements, moss, and ferns. This approach transforms the interior into an art gallery set within a living landscape, offering guests a tranquil escape that celebrates both local ecology and artistry.

Central to Pu Tang’s uniqueness is the preface hall, where etiquette and hospitality take center stage. The renovation involved removing the building’s central floor slab, a bold move that divided the original scale and created an inner courtyard. This architectural intervention not only maximized natural light but also established a dynamic space for plant growth, enhancing the sensory experience in each room.

The restaurant comprises seven private rooms and a tea room, each themed after spiritual totems revered by Chinese literati, such as plums, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums. These spaces are thoughtfully arranged to provide independent visual, acoustic, olfactory, and tactile zones, ensuring an immersive and elegant atmosphere for every guest. The layout reflects a deep respect for traditional values while embracing contemporary design sensibilities.

Sustainable materials play a crucial role in the realization of Pu Tang. Natural marble and wood paneling are paired with a sustainable landscape design, underscoring the commitment to environmental harmony. Covering an area of 1,284 square meters, the project demonstrates how boundless landscape experiences can be achieved within limited urban spaces by honoring local culture and ecological principles.

The design process presented significant challenges, particularly in restructuring the building to accommodate the inner courtyard and flexible spatial arrangements. These efforts have resulted in a space that not only maximizes utility but also delivers an exceptional artistic effect. The project has garnered international acclaim, receiving the Golden A' Design Award in 2025 for its outstanding contribution to interior space, retail, and exhibition design.

Pu Tang by Yunhai Zhao exemplifies how thoughtful design can elevate everyday experiences, inviting guests to savor both culinary and cultural richness in a setting where nature and art coexist in perfect harmony.