tea house by qicang design embraces seasonal rhythms behind sliding doors in china

Qicang Design crafts tea House as tranquil escape in china

Nestled at the crossroads of bustling streets in the coastal city of Ningbo, China, the XinHeYe Tea House by Qicang Design offers a serene retreat from urban chaos. Inspired by the rituals of tea and the rhythm of the seasons, the 80-square-meter space embodies the essence of tranquility, balancing tradition, innovation, and nature.

Visitors approach the tea house via a curated path, flanked by dome-shaped greenery. Two plots of land brimming with lush plants lead to the understated entrance, where stepping stones are arranged in irregular spacing over a pond. Upon entering, the structure reveals itself as a quiet sanctuary—a black timber facade that integrates with the verdant surroundings. Inside, the architectural team draws on arid landscapes, warm tones, and organic materials to create a calming ambiance. Earth-toned walls are paired with dark furniture crafted from wood and stone, while olive and yellow accents unify the palette. The spatial layout is intentionally uncluttered, allowing light patterns to form as sliding and folding doors connect the interiors to the outdoor greenery.

images courtesy of Qicang Design

various textures compose the interior of XinHeYe Tea House

The interplay of light and shade transforms the Qicang Design’s XinHeYe Tea House throughout the day, enhancing its tranquil atmosphere. Two stone walls in the lobby introduce a tactile quality to the space. A sculptural niche in the stone provides a communal gathering point, with a fire feature whose flickering warmth evokes a sense of timeless ritual. At the heart of the tea house is a black wood and copper green metal bar counter, where tea and pastries are prepared. A five-meter-long mottled mirror visually expands the space, contrasting with the earthy textures of the shelving below.

Furnishings and antiques, handpicked by the owner—from black lacquered fruit plates to European antique chairs—add layers and enhance the timelessness of the space while maintaining a central focus on practicality despite their theatrical placement. Seasonal changes are celebrated through floral installations and curated tea rituals, encapsulating the passage of time. From spring cherry blossoms to winter snow, the tea house reflects the natural cycles of life, creating an ever-evolving narrative. 

Nestled at the crossroads of bustling streets in the coastal city of Ningbo, China

the XinHeYe Tea House by Qicang Design offers a serene retreat from urban chaos

inspired by the rituals of tea and the rhythm of the seasons

the 80-square-meter space embodies the essence of tranquility, balancing tradition, innovation, and nature

upon entering, the structure reveals itself as a quiet sanctuary

inside, the architectural team draws on arid landscapes

stepping stones are arranged in irregular spacing over a pond

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warm tones and organic materials create a calming ambiance

earth-toned walls are paired with dark furniture crafted from wood and stone

olive and yellow accents unify the palette

the spatial layout is intentionally uncluttered

the interplay of light and shade transforms the XinHeYe Tea House throughout the day

a five-meter-long mottled mirror visually expands the space,

stone walls in the lobby introduce a tactile quality to the space

furnishings and antiques are handpicked by the owner

seasonal changes are celebrated through floral installations

the tea house reflects the natural cycles of life, creating an ever-evolving narrative

project info: 

name: XinHeYe Tea House

architect: Qicang Design 

location: Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
area: 80 square meters

chief designer: Mao Yun
team members: Chen Beibei, Xue Liuqing
design management: Qicang-OTTTG Team
execution: Qicang-OTTTG Team
display design: Qicang-LINEI
floral art: Qicang-XinHeYe Floral