Ji Hotel: A New Identity in Chinese Hospitality

Confucianism-inspired Design by Kuang Ming Chou

China's hotel market has seen a rapid rise, with cities across the country experiencing significant growth. This has led to an increase in the travel population and a heightened focus on the quality of travel experiences. In response to this, Kuang Ming Chou and his design team have created the Ji Hotel, a hotel chain that aims to meet local needs while providing a unique identity that is not just a copy of Western models.

The design concept of the Ji Hotel is inspired by the five virtues of Confucianism: Gentleness, Kindness, Respect, Simplicity, and Courtliness. The hotel's design aims to provide a sense of calm and quiet, blocking off outside noise and focusing on Zen decoration with elements such as pine trees. The design team has purposefully left space blank, allowing the hotel's brand elements to shine through.

The materials used in the construction of the Ji Hotel include marble, tawny glass, oak, bamboo finishes, and stainless steel. These materials, combined with the warm color palette and clean lines of the design, create a calming and comfortable atmosphere for guests. The lobby area has been expanded to accommodate more guests, and the hotel's location and convenient transportation are expected to attract a large number of visitors.

One of the unique features of the Ji Hotel is the large bookcase that serves as a partition in the multi-functional area. The bookcase is filled with white books, providing a visual cleanse for guests and contributing to the calm and quiet atmosphere. The hotel also features artwork that gives the space a gallery-like feel.

The Ji Hotel was opened in August 2015 in Shanghai, China. The design project was a response to the challenge of providing a hotel accommodation service that meets local needs. The hotel's design is based on research into Chinese contemporary culture and lifestyle, and it aims to provide a familiar and comfortable experience for guests.

The Ji Hotel's unique design and commitment to providing a high-quality hospitality experience have been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and the Ji Hotel certainly fits this description. With its focus on traditional Chinese virtues and modern design elements, the Ji Hotel is a standout in China's rapidly growing hotel market.