Manxin Hotel: A Remarkable Blend of History and Design

A Tribute to the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway

The Manxin Hotel is the first in the MANXIN series of urban boutique hotels, located in the "Park 1903" community within the Kunming National Tourism Resort. This community stands out as the first integrated park living community in China, with the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway as its main cultural line and French colonial-style buildings as its defining characteristics.

The design of the hotel showcases the fusion of history and contemporary aesthetics. From the entrance to the lobby, the walls feature a textured weaving pattern reminiscent of local ethnic utensils, while also paying tribute to the unique bamboo weaving patterns found in Asia. Suspended above the reception desk are an array of lamps that resemble the bells of trains from that era, creating a connection between the past and the present.

Materials such as marble, metal, wood, and custom lamps were carefully chosen to bring the designer's vision to life. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, contemporary and traditional, creating a distinctive journey for guests.

Spanning across a site area of 6000 square meters, the Manxin Hotel stands as a testament to the designer's commitment to creating a unique experience. By exploring the intersection of color and culture, the hotel tells a captivating story of history and human emotions. The overall style of the building echoes the facade, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors.

The completion of the Manxin Hotel in December 2018 marked a significant milestone in the design landscape of Kunming, China. The project not only showcases the designer's creativity and technical expertise but also highlights the importance of storytelling in design.

Wakon Wong, along with the design team members Huang Huajun, Zhang Jinwei, Huang Fan, Xu Xiaofan, and Huang Fajun, overcame various creative, technical, and research challenges to bring the Manxin Hotel to life. Their dedication to distinguishing the hotel through an abstract and optimistic approach has resulted in a truly remarkable design.

The Manxin Hotel has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.

With its unique blend of history, design, and storytelling, the Manxin Hotel stands as a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the world of hospitality.