AB Concept has once again teamed up with the Four Seasons for three superlative restaurants at the brand-new Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou.
Taking cues from the beauty of West Lake and Hangzhou city, the three dining concepts—Chinese restaurant Song, lobby lounge Gui, and all-day dining venue Yun—meld local culture with a seriously upscale dining experience.
Capturing the scenic city interwoven with waterways, the design of Song evokes the tranquil ambiance of a traditional Jiangnan garden. Water features, stone, and lush greenery create serenity, reminiscent of traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. Each of Song's four private dining rooms is themed around one of the "Four Arts" of Chinese tradition: qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Guests are greeted by two illuminated lantern walls at the entrance, followed by a green embroidered screen behind the reception desk that subtly incorporates Chinese knot motifs and the verdant hues of tea.
Up on the 10th floor, lobby lounge Gui is conceived as a stylish boat sailing down the Grand Canal. The design team envisioned Gui as a metaphorical journey along the Silk Road, inviting guests to explore the city’s history. The elevated dark wood platform at the center of the lounge resembles a ship’s deck, while the expansive open-plan design maximizes natural light and incorporates views of the surrounding gardens. Vermilion pillars, echoing the traditional red boats of West Lake, punctuate Gui’s interior. Ornate lanterns adorning the pillars symbolize a bountiful voyage and the joy of a safe return.
Situated also on the 10th floor, Yun is a calming escape featuring lake-green upholstery and turquoise accents on the walls and pillars reminiscent of West Lake. A striking circular feature wall in serene blue sets the tone, complemented by dark wood and marble tables and flooring. The interplay of textures and materials, particularly the warm wood and cool stone, imbues the space with a refined warmth and vibrancy inspired by the iconic lake.
Photo: Brandon Barré