△ Realistic image
Zhen Renpu, the owner of the “Xiyuan Poetry Society,” was renowned for his expertise in architecture and arboriculture. Skilled in calligraphy and poetry, he was passionate about learning, amassed a collection of books, and honored the intellectual tradition. Over time and through many changes, this building is now known as Nanning Xiyuan Yuefu.
△ Bird’s-eye view rendering
Serving as the exhibition center, Xiyuan Yuefu Living Hall acts as the vibrant heart of Xiyuan Yuefu. It not only showcases architectural beauty but also embodies a modern, high-quality lifestyle. The design thoughtfully integrates comprehensive functions such as fitness, entertainment, children’s activities, and dining. Drawing from the unique heritage of the “Xiyuan Poetry Society,” the Living Hall’s design has been refined through extensive and careful development.
Historical Context
Nanning’s Xiyuan Yuefu was originally the private residence of the famous architect Zhen Renpu and the gathering place of many talented individuals within the “Xiyuan Poetry Society.” Constructed by Zhen Renpu’s “Kingdom of Architecture,” the Hong Kong Hexing Construction Company, it is celebrated for its garden scenery, where mountains and waters intertwine and pavilions nestle quietly. It also historically functioned as a commercial area where locals gathered to enjoy music and tea.
The Xiyuan Hotel, which later became a well-known destination, hosted numerous national leaders, celebrities from China and abroad, as well as political figures, including Zhou Enlai. It holds a prestigious legacy as a “state guesthouse” and has witnessed the historical evolution of Nanning.
△ Historic buildings in Nanning
△ Renovated arcade
Research shows that Guangxi has always been a border region with a strong communal spirit and a slow-paced lifestyle, which is a defining characteristic of its residents. Architecturally, Guangxi buildings reflect the distinctive Lingnan style, harmoniously blending with the local environment, landscape, and climate. The region’s long history and proximity to Southeast Asia have given rise to architectural forms that combine Chinese and Western styles, marked by unique characteristics and historical imprints.
△ Rendering
Nanning’s historic buildings are diverse, making it challenging to pinpoint a single style that represents both Nanning and Xiyuan. Inspired by our experience at the Xinhui Academy in Nanning, where we witnessed the joy and community spirit fostered by the old city, we aimed to incorporate a traditional courtyard and arched corridor into the design. Combined with traditional window flower motifs and green brick textures, this approach highlights Xiyuan’s traditional style. This design fosters a sense of engagement and experience at a modern scale while honoring and preserving Nanning’s cultural heritage.
△ Window flower design inspired by Nanning’s historic buildings
Geographical Location
Xiyuan Yuefu Life Hall is situated in Jiangnan District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, along the banks of the Yong River. The area benefits from well-established road networks. Before redevelopment, the site was home to an old state hotel in Guangxi. Positioned within a culturally rich urban area, it enjoys a prime location with deep historical and cultural roots.
△ Project location map
△ Aerial view
Design Philosophy
Cube Design approached this project with meticulous care and great respect for the site’s historical significance. After multiple revisions and thorough discussions, the final plan for Xiyuan Yuefu was established.
△ Realistic image
The design draws cultural symbols from traditional Nanning residences, emphasizing the characteristics of southern gardens and ethnic styles. By blending Eastern and Western influences, the layout achieves a delicate balance and a cohesive appearance, evoking a sense of “calm amid chaos.”
△ General layout plan
Mango tree array in front of the turntable
△ Preserved real-life image of the mango tree array
Architectural Design
The entrance area offers diverse scenes and levels, with the turntable in front of Building 11 modernized to blend with the surroundings. The preserved mango forest tree array has been reorganized to harmoniously coexist with the new structure, featuring winding paths leading to tranquil, secluded spots. Though time has passed, the ancient trees of Xiyuan remain vibrant and lush, preserving the charm of traditional Chinese gardens alongside the architecture. Strolling slowly along the cobblestone paths, one can almost envision the historic sights of Xiyuan Hotel Candlelight Garden, Hongfan District, and “Big World”.
△ Entrance scene map
The roof design continues the historical “sloping roof” style characteristic of old Nanning and Xiyuan buildings, blending seamlessly with the forested environment and aligning with Xiyuan’s traditional aesthetic. The roof underwent a dual-scheme design process, with detailed considerations including block composition, shape, materials, and proportions.
△ Design sketch
△ Realistic image
The design also incorporates arch elements inspired by the entrance of the West Garden, with adjusted curvature for a modern and optimized look. Aluminum alloy and concrete window grilles replicate the grid patterns from the original West Garden entrance. Taking inspiration from the floral motifs found in the original Xiyuan architecture, the building integrates many intriguing gray spaces.
△ Old West Garden Gate (left) and New West Garden Gate (right)
△ Gray space rendering
△ Pathway leading to the phase two connecting bridge
Facade Design
The aluminum alloy and concrete window grilles replicate the grid patterns of the original West Garden entrance. The aluminum alloy grilles are intricately designed, featuring vertical braces, external frame components, and horizontal keels, combined with glass and external window frame units. Concrete window decorations simplify and abstract traditional square lattice patterns to create a unique “West” character motif, marrying the window panes and green bricks to weave a sense of historical depth.
Design of concrete window grilles
△ Aluminum alloy window decoration design
The aluminum alloy window grilles feature detailed craftsmanship in vertical braces, external frame components, and horizontal keels, integrated with glass and external window frame units. Concrete window decorations abstract traditional square lattice elements to form an innovative “West” character pattern. The combination of window panes and green bricks evokes a profound historical ambiance.
△ Window panes and blue bricks create a harmonious contrast
Interior Space
The spacious atrium features decorative window grilles and wooden lattices, while the swimming pool corridor and tea room balcony are finished with terrazzo flooring. Flexible iron railings and double-layer laminated glass partition the space, complementing the dark eaves and creating elegant spatial transitions.
△ Realistic image of the atrium
△ Courtyard streamline diagram
△ Indoor real-life images
From the “Xiyuan Poetry Society” of Juncai Xingchi to the famed “State Guesthouse,” and now to Xiyuan Yuefu, this site embodies the enduring spirit of Nanning city. It reflects the city’s dynamic modern history and the passage of time. This redesign and planning express Cube Design’s patriotism and respect for history, aiming to sustain this century-old landmark as a vibrant urban center filled with new energy.
Project Information
Project Name: China Resources Xiyuan Yuefu Life Hall
Location: Nanning City, Guangxi Province
Land Area: 61,678.13 square meters
Building Area: 5,739.25 square meters
Developer: China Resources Land (Nanning) Co., Ltd
Design Firm: Cube Design (Shenzhen Cube Architectural Design Consulting Co., Ltd.)
Architectural Team: Xiang Daqing, Zhu Yiyou, Lin Zhijie, Zou Qiongyi, Wen Xiangyang, Wei Jingwen, Liu Zhixing, Zhao Lingjun, Liu Chao, Hu Wen’an, Guo Dijing
Landscape Designer: Guangzhou Shanshui Bide Design Co., Ltd
Interior Designer: Shenzhen Matrix Interior Decoration Design Co., Ltd
Scope of Service: Architectural scheme design
Design Year: 2017
Completion Year: 2020
Collaborating Firm: Nanning Benchmark Fangzhong Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Photographer: Chen Junwei
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