The Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel, designed by Weisiping, is situated in the Erlangjian Scenic Area at the gateway to Qinghai Lake, at an elevation of 3,401 meters. Nestled against Nanshan Mountain and overlooking Qinghai Lake, the main building offers lake views at approximately 3,300 meters and boasts expansive panoramic scenery.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The auspicious cloud, symbolizing “origin and symbiosis, harmonious coexistence,” has long been regarded by locals as a sign of good fortune. Believed to have been created by ascending to heaven, ancient people adorned clothing, jade pendants, and sculptures with auspicious cloud patterns to express hopes for a better future. The local tradition of offering Hada scarves further expresses respect and blessings to guests arriving from afar.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
Inspired by this cultural heritage, the design team aimed to incorporate vibrant auspicious clouds and dancing Hada scarves into the hotel’s design, symbolizing the hotel as a prestigious gift to visitors while highlighting the rich local cultural identity.
Seamlessly integrated with the natural terrain, the hotel offers a panoramic retreat experience.
To maximize scenic views and adapt to the terrain, the design draws on the essence of Qinghai residential architecture, closely integrating with the natural landscape. Three elongated buildings follow the contour lines, extending with the terrain. This stepped design gradually recedes toward the landscape, ensuring every guest room and large public space enjoys an unobstructed view. From afar, the structure resembles a winding mountain range—tranquil and natural.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The power center is discreetly positioned on the south side of the main building and covered with soil, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the landscape and keeping the main building’s iconic image prominent.
Blending traditional styles with modern technology, the facade exudes a rich cultural character.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The design thoughtfully reflects the unique cultural and natural environment by selecting materials such as stone, metal, glass, and wood for the facade. These materials are artfully combined to create a dynamic interplay between solid and void, producing a harmonious whole that integrates the building with its surroundings. The symbolic qualities of each material help soften the imposing scale of the building and achieve a visually lightweight effect.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The stonework draws inspiration from traditional local masonry techniques, using modern methods to irregularly apply slate onto honeycomb aluminum panels, resulting in a natural, textured facade. The central greenhouse features glass curtain walls, with a roof designed as a glass skylight system that emphasizes transparency and openness in the public areas. The roof’s steel structure is clad with titanium zinc plates, creating a sleek and dynamic form.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The design embraces a fusion of modern construction techniques and local cultural traditions, striving for a harmonious unity of technology, culture, and nature. Rooted in local culture, it evokes the peacefulness and natural beauty cherished by residents. Design strategies emphasize contrasts—between solid and void, light and heavy, high and low, flat and linear—enriching the building’s iconic identity.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The project incorporates modular design throughout, achieving a cohesive and balanced overall pattern. Thoughtfully crafted architectural details reflect the building’s rationality while prioritizing human comfort. The resulting facade is harmonious, welcoming, and minimalist—establishing a new city landmark.
Drawing from regional residential architecture, the design shapes a microclimate environment within the courtyard.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The courtyard design is inspired by traditional Qinghai residential architecture, making the building’s spatial experience richer. Leveraging existing natural conditions, the central greenhouse enhances the environmental quality and creates a microclimate that reflects the local cultural and natural landscape. This also provides guests with a premier setting for vacationing, relaxation, and entertainment.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
Committed to modern management practices and sustainable development
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The design is grounded in modern management principles, addressing both overall planning and detailed design. It carefully considers the climate and the differences between off-season and peak periods, with clear zoning and resource sharing to facilitate efficient management.
© Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
The project emphasizes adaptability and sustainable development. It addresses changing building uses over time by reserving flexible spaces to accommodate future growth. It also maximizes local natural resources and incorporates green energy solutions, including solar power generation and solar water heating.
Project Information
Project Name: Qinghai Lake Guanhu International Hotel
Design Firm: Weisiping Architectural Design
Owner: Qinghai Lake Tourism Holdings Co., Ltd
Design/Completion: 2016 / 2023
Land Area: 13,438.45 square meters
Total Construction Area: 43,545.25 square meters
Scope: Architectural Design, Interior Design
Chief Designers: Wu Gang, Chen Ling
Design Team: Shang Yi, Li Donghui, Bai Yunxiang, Xia Yuanqian, Zhang Zhaozhao, Wang Lao, Wei Kaikai, Wang Lina
Photography: Literal Translation of Architecture
Awards: 2016 REARD Star Design Award – Excellence Award; 2023 Muse Design Award – Gold Award
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