The planning of Chinese capitals for millennia has centered around the core concept of “Central Axis,” which emphasizes the idea of “Centrality as Supreme.” This traditional urban planning principle has been integrated into spatial design by DSC·Design, evolving into the essence of “Neo-Jinghua Aesthetics.” The design studio’s latest creation, GUI TEMPLE, is a restaurant located on Beijing’s central axis, within the historic Hong’en Taoist Temple, known as the “Dragon’s Tail.” Situated at the northern end of the Bell Tower, the site boasts a history spanning over 700 years.
A Restaurant on Beijing Central Axis
The Beijing Central Axis is not just a spatial axis, but also a timeline. Hong’en Taoist Temple, marking the “Dragon’s Tail”—the north end of this axis, has undergone numerous transformations. It has evolved from a Buddhist temple in the Yuan Dynasty to the Hong’en Taoist Temple in the Qing Dynasty, then to the 2nd Factory of Beijing Standard Parts Industry Group Co., Ltd. in the 1950s, and later to the Bell Tower Vegetable Market in the 1990s. After careful renovation, it is now transformed into a cultural museum featuring Beijing Central Axis, becoming an essential cultural landmark on the axis.
The original west wing rooms, where the GUI TEMPLE restaurant is now situated, are crossed by Beijing Central Axis. The existing interior preserves traces of the industrial era from the 1950s, providing a stark contrast to the ancient architectural style of red walls and flying eaves outside. This juxtaposition offers rich inspiration for the design, making the continuation of historical stories and life elements a central consideration.
DSC · Design adopted “Neo-Jinghua Aesthetics” as the core design concept, recalling the ceremonial order and spatial aesthetics embedded in Beijing’s heritage. From color to structure, art furnishings to details, the design creates a new chapter of elegant luxury that aligns with contemporary lifestyles.
The temple’s original west wing, a long industrial space, is reimagined with a dialogue between axial lines and symmetrical aesthetics, creating a series of progressive, ceremonious spaces from the entrance to the main hall and private rooms. Windows carved into the walls on either side enhances the connection with the surrounding environment, fostering an intimate interaction with nature.
The expansive and deep dining hall embraces the enclosure aesthetics of traditional Beijing Central Axis, with symmetrical windows mirroring each other to set a serene tone.
Previously closed walls have been orderly opened with windows, enhancing the visual connection between the interior and exterior and integrating Hong’en Taoist Temple’s ancient architectural symbols into the design.
The design incorporates columns left by the old factory, adding Qing Dynasty-style interlocking brackets to the ceiling, stripping away complex carvings to reveal a simple contour. These elements are cleverly integrated with lighting, creating a sophisticated atmosphere, reminiscent of the ceremonial elegance illuminated by palace lanterns. This approach redefines a modern experience of ancient Beijing architectural style.
The interplay of light and shadow in the space is subtle yet sophisticated—illuminating the contours of the interlocking brackets, while a warm, hazy glow interacts with the vibrant floral art.
Transitioning from the opening dining hall to the private rooms, the corridor’s floor design incorporates the pattern of Beijing Central Axis, bringing the axis’s spatial sequence indoors. This route evokes the journey from Yongdingmen Gate to the Bell and Drum Towers, creating a sense of time travel as guests walk through the space.
Efforts were made to preserve the industrial traces of the original factory while harmonizing them with the aesthetic scenes of traditional Beijing architecture. For instance, the inkstone of ancient literati has been cleverly reimagined as a door handle.
Upon entering the private rooms, the design intentionally reproduces the Ming Dynasty murals, treasures of the local Fahai Temple, while also responding to the historical memory of Hong’en Taoist Temple. Cement slurry is deliberately applied to the edges of the murals, evoking the resurgence of a masterpiece once veiled by the passage of time.
The overall design emphasizes rustic, natural textures. Red wooden structures blend seamlessly with large areas of cement cladding panels, evoking a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere.
Ascending to the second floor, the rough texture of the industrial ceiling beams is preserved, naturally integrating with the quaint space’s aesthetic, creating a striking visual impact.
The design maintains a unified language throughout the space. Modern window frames and varying Ming Dynasty murals bring a fresh dialogue between old and new.
In the large private room, a traditional long table and a modern banquet round table, set against a warm red backdrop, reference the Eastern aesthetic of square and circle, resonating with the spirit of Oriental philosophy.
The second floor features the restaurant’s largest private room, named “GUI.” With ceremonial signage on the floor, guests are led into a spacious, harmonious dining environment, offering a visual feast of Neo-Jinghua Aesthetics.
The colors of yellow and red, representative of the Forbidden City, symbolize nobility and prosperity in ancient thought. In this room, the order of central axis, the color aesthetics, and the interplay of light and shadow converge, creating a resonant connection to cultural heritage and spiritual continuity.
The central circular concave ceiling with a beam, inspired by the shape of ancient sundial, aligns with the golden landscape wall on one side, seeming to tell the evolution of Beijing Central Axis throughout history.
The lighting within the space gently highlights the relief artwork in the center, evoking the image of the sun rising and casting its light over the Beijing Central Axis.
The second floor also features a spacious terrace where guests can enjoy a view of the Bell Tower. Here, in the heart of the bustling metropolis, one can quietly savor the flavors of Beijing cuisine.
