The recently opened Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre has introduced Song Chinese restaurant, a lobby lounge and an all-day dining restaurant – all exquisitely designed by design studio AB Concept…
Situated on the edge of Wulin Square, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou provides a serene escape from the city’s vibrancy, while seamlessly connecting guests to the social and business heart of Hangzhou. The hotel’s design is a modern interpretation of classic Chinese aesthetics, featuring high ceilings, abundant natural light and panoramic views, and with AB Concept has continued this narrative with meticulously crafted public and dining areas.
Image credit: Brandon Barre
Song Chinese restaurant combines traditional Chinese elements with contemporary design, offering an immersive dining experience that celebrates culture and nature. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a striking green embroidered screen symbolising the Chinese knot and hinting at the greenery of a traditional tea banquet. This screen, paired with a water-veil silk door frame, sets the tone for an ambience where tradition meets the tranquillity of nature. Lantern walls further enhance the harmonious blend of traditional and natural elements.
The main dining area, accessed through a marble archway, features verdant green natural stone and a domed ceiling that creates a spacious yet intimate atmosphere. Rich stone mosaics surround the open kitchen, highlighting the chef’s culinary artistry. Semi-open booths, adorned with semi-circular arches and delicate metal carvings of osmanthus – the sweet-scented plant that has grown in Hangzhou for over 1,600 years and is the official city flower – provide elegant, private dining settings, enriched by detailed artwork and small domes.
Image credit: Brandon Barre
The restaurant also offers a series of private dining rooms themed around the ‘Four Arts’ of Chinese culture – qin (music), qi (chess), shu (calligraphy), and hua (painting) – each providing a unique and culturally rich space. The “qin” room features intricate metal wire screens, textured coverings, and monumental lighting installations, evoking the melodies of traditional Chinese music. The “qi” room, inspired by the strategic gameplay of chess, features a
high-gloss ceiling resembling a chessboard, creating a contemplative atmosphere. The bright “shu” room, with its layered ceiling, resembles ancient scrolls, imparting refined elegance. The “hua” room showcases bold carvings, high-gloss lacquer, and ink-like mirrored ceilings and walls, with dramatic chandeliers playing a central role in the artistic space.
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- Image credit: Brandon Barre
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- Image credit: Brandon Barre
“Song is not just a restaurant; it’s a journey through the rich heritage of Chinese culture, meticulously woven into every aspect of the design,” said Ed Ng, Co-Founder of AB Concept. “We are thrilled to have contributed to the realisation of this extraordinary dining experience that harmonises tradition and modernity in such a visually stunning environment.”
With its elegant and culturally infused design, Song sets a new standard for dining in Hangzhou, blending visual aesthetics with profound cultural nuances, and inviting guests to explore the hidden stories behind each element. From its striking entrance to its thoughtfully themed private rooms, the design promises an unforgettable dining experience that honours Chinese tradition while embracing modern luxury.
Image credit: Brandon Barre
The Lobby Lounge, located on the 10th floor, offers a unique experience reminiscent of a grand voyage aboard an ark through the silk road. Its central platform, designed to resemble a ship’s deck, immerses guests in a vibrant journey, enhanced by vermilion columns adorned with delicate floral lamps symbolising abundance and joy. The lounge’s spacious and open design provides stunning views of the outdoor landscape, merging indoor and outdoor
environments seamlessly.Textured walls, resembling devilfish skin, metaphorically represent the waves of this journey, adding dynamism and visual intrigue, while lush indoor greenery mirrors the outdoor garden, creating harmony between nature and design.
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- Image credit: Brandon Barre
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- Image credit: Brandon Barre
The Charm all-day dining restaurant provides an elegant gathering space with blue-green tones, natural hues and golden accents that evoke lakeside tranquillity and the golden hues of autumn. Rich dark wood, marble tables and floors add sophistication, while green potted plants provide a vibrant contrast. This harmonious palette complements a display of culinary craftsmanship where chefs prepare fresh ingredients for hot pots in a convivial dining setting. The restaurant’s layered textures and careful interplay of materials and colours speak to subtle luxury, offering guests a unique and refined dining experience.
Who is AB Concept?
AB Concept is an international interior design and architecture studio founded in 1999 by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan. The studio’s unique design approach draws similarities to how a chef develops a recipe, exploring local culture and experimenting with tastes and skills. This approach results in bespoke
experiences through narrative-driven interiors with meticulous attention to detail, creating moments that matter in luxury environments across the hospitality, commercial, and residential sectors.
Main image credit: Brandon Barre
