Shape the brand and product into an emotion, a hope, a passion.
Envelop the essence of everyday life with richer, fuller values.
Keep the legacy brand flowing relentlessly through the ever-changing tides of the market.
Throughout the long years, Chinese hot pot culture has become a grand spectacle not just for its convenience, but also because it resonates with the Chinese love for hot food and the pursuit of "wok hei" (the unique flavor imparted by a hot wok). It carries a social nature even when enjoyed alone, blending cooking and eating into one experience. The entire process, much like hot pot itself, is a mix of richness, variety, and change, possessing a certain elastic magic.
In May 2024, Ding Ding Xiang, the Hong Kong-style hot pot brand originally established in Beijing in 1998, reopened at Beijing SKP with a brand-new look. The design firm IN.X WuLiMenWai led the brand's upgrade and transformation, drawing on the grandeur of history to reimagine and elevate its elegance, sophistication, and brand excellence.
History imprinted.
Style that stirs emotions.
As you walk through the peacock-feather-colored tiled corridor, past the vintage scenes of Hong Kong Island from the last century, soft light spills through wooden blinds, casting dappled shadows from tropical plants. In the space where the rising steam from the hot pot mingles with the warmth of alcohol, memories and nostalgia feel like a slow boat, gently carrying you deep into the recesses of your mind.
Style is the key to unlocking emotions in the new space. Through the transformation of wooden wainscoting, blinds, floral tiles, upholstered armchairs, and brass wall lamps, the design crafts a nostalgic scroll blending influences from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the West. The Hong Kong-style hot pot is merely an introduction, leading into a century of profound historical changes, reflecting the timeless charm of Asia-Pacific culture and the enduring legacy of the Chinese people. By imprinting the mesmerizing grandeur of history onto a modern space, the strength of this narrative emboldens the designer to embrace a fusion of styles.
The coarse grains of time shelter people within the warmth and intimacy of a family dining experience, momentarily removing them from the dazzling and bustling atmosphere of the mall. In this moment, diners sit vividly at the end of history, immersed as the main characters in the unfolding story.
The rhythm of the space
Layers, scenes, and charm.
The storefront serves as the physical interface between the restaurant and SKP. A heavy white stone facade extends below the ceiling, with a logo wall resembling a shadow wall or screen partially obscuring the interior while creating a sense of spatial depth. This design element guides the overall experience inside: within the limited space, each area forms a sensory composition, layering impressions upon one another. The ordinary space becomes intriguing and playful through the rhythm of these variations.
The fresh meat counter, ingredient displays, and wine cellar bar at the entrance vividly and meticulously create a lively culinary scene. As you turn past the wine cabinet and enter the seating area, the space narrows and then suddenly opens up, with the bustle of the entrance dissolving like foam behind you. The seating area is spacious and cohesive, with its openness not compromising functionality. A broad multifunctional table perfectly separates the corridor from the dining area, creating a dynamic interplay between movement and stillness, past and present. This contrast adds a sense of exploration and discovery to the dining experience, making the restaurant feel like a journey through a living museum.
Walking along the floral-tiled corridor towards the private dining rooms, the semi-circular columns clad in wooden panels abruptly break the linearity of the space. Their graceful, flowing form draws guests further into the deeper areas. A subtle change in the curvature of the space is like the brushstroke of an artist, bringing the scene to life with the presence of birds and beasts. Angular fragments are woven into the ceiling structure, offering a modest yet elegant nod to classical design. People are naturally fascinated by narratives with highs and lows, and so is the space; within its rhythmic changes, the lively charm of everyday life continues unabated.
Strategy first, design second.
The tranquil glow of brass lamps illuminates the polished marble doorplates of the private rooms, while the antique, heavy black lacquered round tables and tropical plant-patterned dining chairs evoke images of mid-20th century Hong Kong or the vibrant Lion City of Southeast Asia. The cadence of time resonates in everyone’s ears, as flavors evoke distant places and human connections. In this moment touched by the space, the experience extends beyond mere taste, embracing a rich tapestry of sensory and emotional depth.
After many years, Ding Ding Xiang has once again achieved a sought-after prominence and excellent reputation on social media. Revitalizing a nearly 30-year-old dining brand, mere visual novelty might yield only fleeting results. Instead, the designers immersed the brand and its category in the river of history and time. Through a comprehensive upgrade of the brand logo and spatial aesthetics, they have transformed the brand and product into an emotion, a hope, and a passion. By enveloping this small essence of daily life with richer and fuller values, they ensure it flows relentlessly through the ever-changing tides of the market.
Project Information
Project Name: Ding Ding Xiang · Hong Kong-style Hot Pot
Location: Beijing, China
Project Area: 300㎡
Interior Design: IN.X
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