Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai is located at the heart of the Zhongcha Valley and remains true to its Tibetan roots. Completed in September 2021, the 23,000 sq m hotel is situated in the peaceful countryside, far away from bustling cities.
Taking inspiration from local culture including woodcut prints, Qiang embroidery and fire pits, the hotel also reinterprets these traditions through its own lens.
Zhongcha translates to “the place where the divine eagle flies down" and is named for a legend of the divine eagle who was so heavy that only the God of Baijian Mountain was strong enough to hold its weight.
The divine eagle features prominently in the design of the lobby. As visitors enter the lobby the viewing angle of the ceiling allows them to see higher and broader. Upon approaching the reception desk, the wings of an eagle are featured upon the backdrop to further remind of the legend.
The faint blue glow of the eagle itself is inspired by the alpine lakes of Fairy Pool, a nearby scenic area. If inspected closer, the eagle is made up of hundreds of photos taken within the local area, reflecting what life is like here.
The fire pit combines pure wood and Tibetan totems. The light focuses upon the pit, inviting visitors to reflect and relax in the firelight. Tea is traditionally drunk around the stove and the area is designed to allow conversation to flow comfortably. There is also a restaurant which provides yak meat and zanba (a Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour).