LOBBY R-BAR FOOD STUDIO BALLROOM MEETING ROOM & BUSINESS CENTER WANLI CHINESES RESTAURANT GYM, POOL & LOCKER ROOM SENBA JAPANESE RESTAURANT EXECUTIVE LOUNGE DESIGN NARRATIVE ISSUE E 21 NOVEMBER 2016 A NIGHT AT THE OPERA DESIGN NARRATIVE – ISSUE E RENAISSANCE – HANGZHOU WANLIN RENAISSANCE HANGZHOU… BACKGROUND GEOGRAPHY With mountains in the west and coastal plains in the east, Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province in southeastern China, is also host to the West Lake, the southern terminus of the Grand Canal, and the lower reaches of Qiantang river. These geographical traits offer diverse scenic experiences that ranks Hangzhou as one of the most beautiful cities in China. The West Lake area is also home to a select few tea villages and plantations, specifically Longjing tea, which is an important part of Hangzhou’s economy and culture. CULTURE One of the celebrated arts of Hangzhou, a 2,000 year old heritage, is the Yue opera, the second-largest opera form in china. Its unique feminine style is attributed to the opera’s all-female cast, with both male and female roles played by women. It is poetic and graceful, balancing soft, gentle tones with rhythmic patterns and vivid performances. The mixture of tradition with modern dance and music bridges old and new generations together in the experience of the Yue opera. HISTORY As one of the seven ancient capitals of China, the city boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritage. Its prosperity dates back to the Liangzhu culture around 4,700 years ago, with jade and silk artifacts, and some of the earliest walled cities in ancient China. The transformation of a small state into an economic, government, and cultural center lead to a largescale commercial and population expansion. This period witnessed the advancement of silk, printing, and porcelain productions, amongst other thriving industries. DESIGN NARRATIVE – ISSUE E RENAISSANCE – HANGZHOU WANLIN 。。。以下略