Architects design homestay cluster to reflect beauty of Longmen Mountain
A major cluster of new homestays, or bed-andbreakfast businesses, is set to emerge in the picturesque Longmen Mountain region in Pengzhou city, just 25 kilometers from Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan province.
Officials said the design for the project will involve six top architects, who on Nov 6 announced at an inauguration ceremony that they were committed to providing the designs.
Nestling on top of the mountain, the cluster will be built on an area of more than 1,130 hectares. It is planned to house 100 bed-and-breakfast businesses, as well as three high-end hotels, in five years, local media reported.
To date, 15 popular Chinese B&B brands have signed on to move into the cluster.
With five national scenic sites, including a nature reserve, giant panda park and geopark — a region with outstandingly beautiful or important geological heritage features — Pengzhou has long been known as a popular photographer’s destination.
That’s because of its rich and varied topography and distinct seasonal scenery, Mi Lanjia, head of the city’s publicity department, said at the November inauguration ceremony.
The city is home to ancient customs, local religious beliefs, white porcelain production and peony plantations, and is a place where various cultures meet, she added. “It’s an ideal location to develop B&B businesses,” she said.
The new homestay cluster under construction will in all probability evolve into an internationally recognized arts cluster, rather than an area of conventional B&B businesses, said Xia Yuqing, CEO of B&B platform Jiesu, which is the operator of the project.
“We want to build a valley to help revive the creativity of white porcelain and there will be a themed museum in it,” Xia added.
“We are also defining the project as being a cluster for professional designers, who will share their experiences and life philosophies with other residents.”
Jiesu’s chief planner and architect Qi Shanshan said the creative impact of the cluster’s design is important to create a positive atmosphere. “Architecture has the gentle power to put people at ease,” she said.
Qi invited five international architects to work together with her on the project.
Janette Kim from the United States was surprised by the beauty of Longmen Mountain at first sight and said that each piece of tile, wood and stone has a personality that makes the place different and appealing.
Another US architect, Lluis Ortega, said he wants to talk with local people and craftsmen to gain a deeper understanding of Longmen Mountain and its culture.
has long been known as a popular photographer destination.