Situated along the Li River, a World Heritage protection zone, Indigo Restaurant required adaptive reuse rather than new construction. Inspired by the proverb “green is born of blue, yet surpasses blue,” the design integrates the indigo-dyeing crafts of local minorities with Yangshuo’s landscape imagery. Space was organized into five zones—the Hundred Flowers Garden, slow dining café, cultural & creative pavilion, bakery, and fermented cuisine restaurant—each able to operate independently or in tandem, forming a cultural stage that unites local heritage with daily life.
Highlights include the experience of “shifting scenery with each step”: on the B1 level, continuous structural columns were unified by a sequence of arches that transform fragmentation into rhythmic circulation; the Cultural & Creative Venue employs red patterned bricks and indigo motifs to reflect ethnic culture; and dining areas use gray brick, red brick, and indigo to establish a warm, inviting atmosphere. The preserved ancient wall frames vistas with the distant mountains, creating a new cultural landmark. The project elevates both functional and cultural dimensions, enabling visitors to experience Yangshuo’s depth through the interplay of light, shadow, and history.
