Situated in Mi’Le, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, DongFengYun Art Town is strategically positioned as a pivotal node along the Belt and Road Initiative. This site has emerged as a significant cultural and tourism hub, capitalising on the dynamic growth fostered by the Belt and Road Initiative and the expanding regional tourism sector.
Our approach to DongFengYun Art Town underscores the integration of local cultural narratives and natural landscapes within the project’s planning and development strategy. The goal is to create a multifaceted “wellness” art town that seamlessly merges art, creativity, and lifestyle. Early design efforts focused on understanding the local artistic character and harmonising it with the surrounding natural and cultural contexts. This led to the development of a diverse array of functional spaces, including commercial streets, an art centre, a lakeside starry sky theatre, an art inn, and an artist village.
The project incorporates innovative tourism-related elements into a culturally rich red-brick architectural framework, conceived by local artist Luo Xu. Notable features include the Kaleidoscope Art Museum, Seal House, and Niuduoluo Music Farmhouse Boutique Hotel. These spaces are designed to complement the local landscape, enhancing its natural beauty, artistic rhythm, and cultural sophistication while embodying the principles of ecotourism.
DongFengYun Art Town prioritises sustainable development by employing adaptive renovations of existing structures and utilising locally sourced red clay in the form of terracotta bricks for the main façade. This approach not only preserves architectural heritage but also supports local industries and generates employment opportunities.
Ronghao Li, Project Director at The Oval Partnership, remarks, “Our design emphasises the synergy between the local natural environment, artistic spirit, and cultural lifestyle. This approach fosters a sustainable interaction and enriches the ecotourism experience, crafting an artistic journey imbued with profound spiritual and cultural significance.”
The project has been recognised twice as a “Characteristic Town in Yunnan Province” and has achieved the status of a national AAAA Tourist Attraction.