Rest, reboot, and rejuvenate at the tranquil Sunriver Resort and Spa hidden in a remote and scenic valley of Huangshan, China.

Sitting at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, the resort hotel is surrounded by a serene setting of mountains, clouds, and mist. The resort was once the Yungu Hotel, a complex composed of five traditional, Hui-style architecture. Taking inspiration from traditional homes in the region, the complex was designed by Wang Guoyu, a Second Generation Chinese Architect.

To embrace the natural setting with minimal impact on the surrounding, buildings are nestled under a hillside and scattered on the site to form multiple courtyards. Looking from a distance, the cluster of architecture blends into nature harmoniously, embodying the traditional Chinese philosophy of “unity of man with nature”.

The complex was in desperate need of renewal after being in use for more than three decades, and there’s no one more fitting for the renovation project than the award-winning, Hong Kong-based hospitality design firm, CCD/ Cheng Chung Design. Tasked to provide a refreshed look and a brand-new image to the Sunriver Resort and Spa, the design team decided to base the project’s design philosophy on the poetic, secluded, and carefree lifestyles of Chinese literati in ancient times.

In the olden days, Chinese literati chose to live a secluded life in the mountains, while occasionally gathering with friends to enjoy wine and poem writing. With the increasing daily stresses that come with the hustle and bustle of modern city life, the demand for a tranquil and healing stay in nature has gone up tremendously in recent years. Today, modern city dwellers yearn for short getaways where they can rest, recharge, and fully disconnect through this secluded and carefree state of living.

To create a functional resort hotel without taking away the charm of the original and characteristic Hui-style buildings, the design team renovated the space based on the premise of completely preserving the original architecture. Taking inspiration from natural resources from the area, the local culture, health maintenance ideas, classical Chinese culture, and the inherited Hui-style architecture, CCD gave the former old hotel an elegant and refreshed new image that revolves around the ideology of mountain-based living.

Original architectural elements such as corbiesteps, grey roofing tiles, open-air atriums, and verandas were thoughtfully preserved to the greatest extent. The design team also employed modern design approaches to retain the characteristic historic ambiance with the use of neat, staggered wall lines, grey tiles, refreshed white walls, an elegant color palette, and the predominant use of wood.

Different volumes of buildings, interior spaces, and gardens intertwine to create a holistic resort experience that complements one another. Everywhere you go, scenic views enable hotel guests to feel calm and carefree.

The open-air atriums, corridors, and courtyards are connected to the guest rooms scattered throughout the property, giving guests the feeling of residing in a small, ancient village secluded from the rest of the world. In every guest room, large, floor-to-ceiling windows provide extensive views of the courtyard and mountains beyond, framing the ever-changing landscape outdoor that evolves throughout the day.

The modern yet elegant guest room design draws inspiration from the vibrant green scenery of Huangshan in early spring, where the refreshing greens from the freshly mowed lawns outside seem to blend in harmoniously with the living space through the glass walls.

To accommodate the taste and demands of a modern lifestyle, subtle adjustments were made within the interior such as selecting furniture and furnishings with more modern characteristics yet at the same time, still pair well with the classical atmosphere.

The Sunriver Resort and Spa is a prime example of a holistic resort experience that embraces the natural beauty of its setting as well as its historical context. Moreover, modernity and coziness are thoughtfully incorporated into traditional architectural spaces, bringing the new generation of travelers a unique and rejuvenating experience that stays close to their roots.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project name: Sunriver Resort & Spa Huangshan

Interior design: CCD / Cheng Chung Design

Location: Huangshan, China

Area: 8,776 m2

Year of completion: 2019

Photography Courtesy of CCD / Cheng Chung Design