“…Yining, in China’s Xinjiang province, is set to welcome a new architectural landmark that redefines the landscape of luxury hospitality. July 2025 marks the grand debut of the Huamei Resort Yining InterContinental and EVEN Hotel Complex, a monumental development conceived by the award-winning global architecture practice HKS…”
Spanning more than 65,000 square metres, the project is more than just a grand resort complex. It pays tribute to Yining’s identity as the “City of 40 Cultures,” seamlessly merging this diverse heritage with the dramatic scenery of the Ili River and the majestic Tianshan Mountains.
At the heart of the design lies the concept of the “River Valley Courtyard”, inspired by the traditional courtyard homes of Yining. Reimagined for contemporary luxury living, the building plan adopts the shape of the Chinese character “品” (pin), symbolising quality and refinement. This formation not only honours local architecture but also creates a series of interlinked courtyards that balance intimacy with openness. The northern façade of the InterContinental hotel features metallic aluminium louvres that emulate the flowing currents of the Ili River. Every guest room opens to panoramic valley views, where light, shadow, and scenery converge to craft atmospheres of painterly beauty.
From the tree-lined entrance boulevard to the welcoming courtyards, the mountain-view terraces, and the Silk Road cultural promenade connecting the main areas, each journey through the resort is choreographed as a dialogue between “cultural heritage” and “contemporary hospitality.” By night, the complex transforms into a radiant stage, glowing in harmony with the surrounding landscapes and nearby landmarks. It creates a dreamlike vision of the Ili Valley that lingers long in memory.
The project, spearheaded by Bin Cao, Partner and Managing Director for HKS East Asia, aims to elevate Yining into a premier international destination for cultural tourism. As Bin Cao powerfully expressed: “Timeless architecture is about understanding the past, embracing the present, and envisioning the future.” This is not merely a building but a “spiritual landmark,” reflecting the lives and legacies of the 40 ethnic groups who call Yining home.
The unveiling of the InterContinental Yining Hotel and EVEN Hotel Complex marks a milestone not only for the China Green Development Group (CGDG) but also as proof that contemporary architecture can weave local narratives into luxury experiences sought by travellers worldwide.
