A Message that Combines Traditional Chinese Symbols of Blessing with Iconic Text and Images

Vermilion Zhou Design Group unveiled NI HAO Hotel. NI HAO, a standard Chinese greeting, carries meanings beyond everyday salutations. It embodies the spirit of friendliness, politeness, and openness integral to Chinese culture. These two words are simple and deeply symbolic culturally, allowing them to convey unique emotions and messages in various contexts and settings.

Hotel entrance
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

"NI HAO" is Very Chinese

As an international Chinese expression, "NI HAO" has been embraced and used by multilingual speakers globally, serving as the first gateway in China's communication with the world. Unconstrained by time and geography, we express this through cultural symbols, giving guests a direct experience of a traditional, vibrant, and open hotel atmosphere.

Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

Phone booth
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

The breakfast area
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

'Calabash', a traditional Chinese symbol, is incorporated throughout the space design. This symbol signifies blessings, fortune, and safety for travellers. The simplified calabash imagery of '8' is continued throughout the space in various forms. '8' also symbolizes 'prosperity', embodying both a distinctly Chinese symbol and the representation of '∞'infinite possibilities.

The breakfast area
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

Guest Room_The hotel design also considers the replication of chain hotels. All furniture is created with a modular approach to reduce construction complexity and minimize environmental pollution.
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

Guest Room
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

"NI HAO" is a Dialogue

In the "NI HAO" hotel, nestled within the bustling street market, the essence of "Hospitality" is at the heart of its operations. The doors are warmly opened to guests and the local community, inviting everyone to experience its welcoming atmosphere. With abundant slogans in the space, the very Chinese style of expression engages all guests, subverting traditional reception and lobby areas, while serving functional purposes and aiming to resonate emotionally with travellers. "Punk Wellness" is another thoughtful touch for well-being.

Self-check-in area
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

Interactive felt wall made from recycled fibres, also featuring sound absorption capabilities.
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

We warmly open our doors to guests and the local community, inviting everyone to experience our welcoming atmosphere.
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

"NI HAO" Creates Scenes

From public areas to guest rooms, the varied needs of travellers are met through efficient layouts. Unintentional interactions in these spaces transform a simple "NI HAO" into a warm and intimate greeting. Whether guests are extroverted or introverted, returning to the fundamental lodging needs, they'll find a comforting space to settle in.

A self-check-in area that minimizes staff interaction, catering to the limited manpower of budget hotels.
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

Lobby _We have also incorporated the 'calabash' element into our furniture designs, adding a sense of fun and privacy even in lobbies that are minimally secluded.
Photo credit: Jian Quan Wu

By deeply understanding the meaning behind the two words "NI HAO," the architects have repositioned the "NI HAO Hotel" brand in space design. With "NI HAO" as the core of the project, it stands out in the economy hotel sector, conveying a more friendly and inclusive philosophy, while meeting the accommodation needs of its audience. Like the brand name, this simple yet profound expression enables "NI HAO Hotel" to touch hearts universally through its approach.

Vermilion Zhou Design Group

Established in Shanghai in 2002, Vermilion Zhou Design Group has completed over a thousand interior design projects, encompassing various projects such as public, commercial, office, hotel, restaurant, and residential spaces. Vermilion Zhou Design Group persists in breaking through innovation and change, while maintaining valid positive values. This enduring commitment allows the firm to sustain its design energy output, ultimately enabling more people to appreciate the value and beauty of the design.