Excerpt: Songtsm Travel Hotel Jiuzhai by Thinking Design is conceived not as a resort, but as a “waystation of time” that returns the land to itself. Rooted in the memories of mountains, forests, and aged timber, the design recalls the spirit of the site through natural materials, Tibetan vernacular elements, and quiet spatial sequences. Architecture engages with wind, light, and seasons, creating a tranquil retreat immersed in nature.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] This is neither a guesthouse nor a protected site, but a “waystation of time.” All we have done is return the land to itself, continuing a story that time has long been ready to tell.
When guests depart, the only thing they need to take with them is the 0.3 grams of volcanic ash that cling to their soles, the smallest, yet weightiest gift from this village in the clouds to the world.
On a 3,000-meter-high ridge in Jiuzhaigou lies a micro-village of just eight wooden cabins—China’s smallest administrative village. It appears pinned against the sky by the wind, coexisting with clouds, fir trees, and rocky terrain. Now, we are tasked with transforming this unique site into a resort.
Design here is not about “renovation,” but about “recalling”: recalling the memories sealed within the land, the breath hidden in the mountain forests and timber, and the traces of time buried in the layered mountains. Let aged wood be rekindled, let old houses rise again, let mountain springs sing once more. Let every piece of old timber return to the slopes, and let every crack tell the story of wind and frost.
A return to the essential nature of the natural world. The extensive use of wood elements and timber structures is not merely a formal choice, but a spiritual pursuit. We reject extravagance, allowing materials to converse with people through their most primitive textures and warmth. Thus, the space becomes a living entity, imbued with a sense of simplicity, warmth, and tranquility.
The resort comprises 12 detached guest rooms, each occupying a land area of 150–180 square meters with a built-up area of over 80 square meters. We have organized the villas into four distinct clusters, where the living room, bedroom, soaking pool, and tea pavilion are thoughtfully positioned as separate structures. The architectural style incorporates elements of Tibetan vernacular dwellings, preserving traditional wooden shingles and tile roofing. Throughout the property, an aura of natural simplicity and rustic tranquility prevails.
We do not treat the suite as a monolithic whole, but instead conceive it as a rhythmic, layered sequence of spaces designed to gradually strip away the clamor of urban life. This is more than a simple arrangement of rooms—it is a carefully choreographed journey that guides guests from observation to immersion, culminating in a profound sense of harmony between humanity and the natural world.
Within each suite, we have incorporated a separate living area that serves as a crucial transitional space. This is not merely a functional zone, but a psychological “sanctuary” and “threshold.” Its stable, enveloping, and comforting qualities provide guests with a profound sense of security and privacy, allowing them to settle both physically and mentally before fully immersing themselves in the vastness of nature.
The architectural approach is not to present nature, but to engage with it. Outdoor leisure areas are carefully oriented for stargazing, while open structures allow direct contact with wind, light, and seasonal changes. Fragrance, sound, and atmosphere continuously shape the sensory experience, shifting guests from observers to active participants in nature.
Each guest unit is conceived as a private sanctuary, ensuring a high level of privacy and tranquility. The extensive glass openings seamlessly integrate external landscapes into the interior visual field, framing panoramic natural vistas. Without departing from their quarters, occupants may experience diurnal and nocturnal phenomena—from morning clouds to celestial nocturnes—thereby attaining a distinctive restorative stay that rejuvenates both corporeal and psychological states.
The gentle grain of wood wraps every corner of the space—even the indoor soaking pool is embraced by natural timber. By creating the poetic scene of a “wooden cabin soaking pool,” we emphasize the resonance between design and nature, fostering a tranquil and healing atmosphere. Here, mind and body align with nature, while comfort and serenity coexist.
The lobby is designed as a “vessel of warm memories,” breaking away from the coldness of traditional hotels to create the familiarity and ease of returning to an “old family living room.” Aged wooden panels line the ceiling, their unique grain and hue infusing the space with a sense of history. Walls finished in textured artisanal plaster echo the gentle marks of time and nature.
The space is furnished entirely with rustic, aged furniture. Each piece carries a sense of memory and warmth—more than just functional objects, they serve as emotional anchors in the space, creating an immediate sense of comfort upon arrival.
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