- Interior
With a limited number of colours and materials, you can sometimes achieve the most beautiful results. This Shanghai restaurant, designed by the Chinese studio Wuzhi Design, is perfect proof of that. It is a contemporary interpretation of Chinese aesthetics, but also feels very authentic.
Founded in 2019, Wuzhi Design aims to explore the Chinese lifestyle through architecture and product design. In those designs, they often return to traditional culture, but they certainly don't lose sight of modern aspects either. The style of their projects is warm and understated, with clear references to nature. They are also a means to spread Chinese culture in interesting ways. 
In Shanghai, we find Yuangu Yunjing, a unique restaurant that combines two seemingly clashing styles. On the one hand, we find old western elements here; on the other, there are also references to so-called Chinese hutongs, traditional residential areas in China, mainly in Beijing. The restaurant is housed in a rather small building with a clean white facade. The façade exudes a certain elegance that is continued in the interior. 
Authenticity is paramount in this interior
That interior may surprise you, as all rooms are particularly warm and rustically decorated. The courtyard on the ground floor is the soul of the restaurant and immediately gives a good first impression of what to expect inside. Furthermore, on this floor you will find a functional room, the kitchen, and a bar. Stairs behind the bar take guests up to the three floors. On the first floor, you will find a business area and a private room. Also on the second floor is a business room, similar to the one on the first floor. However, Wuzhi Design describes the latter as an interpretation of traditional culture, while the space on the second floor is a salute to the original building. Everywhere, efforts were made to preserve the structure of the property as much as possible. 
Authenticity is paramount in the interior of this restaurant. The raw materials are a beautiful reference to the traditional aspects, but at the same time they feel very modern and refreshing. The colour palette is rather monotone and consists of grey and earthy tones. Especially when combined with the wooden beams of the high ceilings, this evokes a warm, intimate feeling. This creates an informal atmosphere that many guests will appreciate. Those lucky enough to visit Yuangu Yunjing Restaurant will have an extraordinary experience either way.
Photography by Xiao Tan