In the heart of China’s Hengduan Mountains, where the ancient, matrilineal Mosuo culture thrives, a new destination—The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake—offers an unparalleled immersion into a 2,000-year-old way of life. This unique design hotel, situated on the shores of the sacred Lugu Lake, is a masterful blend of contemporary architecture and profound cultural reverence, designed to authentically immerse guests in the region’s storied heritage. It’s a compelling destination for those interested in cultural preservation and sustainable design.
The design narrative, led by chief architect Yang Lu of Imago Architecture Design Consultancy, is rooted in Mosuo life. The hotel is housed within three reimagined villas, with the main building’s curving form subtly referencing the matrilineal society—like a fetus in the womb. Lu masterfully updates traditional Mosuo architectural elements, utilizing a robust rammed earth façade reinforced with local stone and rebuilding wooden support structures with modern mortise-and-tenon joinery. Lattice motifs, common in Mosuo dwellings, are transformed into unique spatial design accents, weaving the local architectural heritage seamlessly into the modern structure.
Every detail within The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake reflects the breathtaking landscape and culture. The lobby is an experience in itself, with a water lily–shaped chandelier—alluding to the local Ottelia acuminata—hanging above a cozy hearth, the signature gathering space of a Mosuo grandmother’s house. A striking tinted glass wall references the region’s vibrant palette: sunset crimsons, deep lake blues, golden yellows of autumn grasslands, and the pink of the sacred Gesang flowers. This commitment to local aesthetics and natural beauty ensures a harmonious connection between the interior design and the surrounding ecosystem, offering a distinctive sense of place.
The deeply rooted cultural references extend into the 46 guestrooms and 14 suites, which are furnished almost entirely with custom pieces and lighting fixtures by Lu. The accommodations are thoughtfully designed to evoke the romance of the Mosuo maiden’s floral chambers and the warmth of a grandmother’s house, utilizing red rammed earth and lattice patterns alongside sleek modern touches like transparent glass walls and suspended metal installations. Custom carpets quietly weave the aquatic life of Lugu Lake into the indoor spaces, while floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-doored balconies frame panoramic views of the sublime landscape, including the sacred Gemu Goddess and Goulong God Mountains. For added seclusion, three luxury treehouses are also available, offering an intimate communion with nature.
The theme of maternal imagery and the local matrilineal culture is powerfully symbolized by the omnipresent tones of red that unify all areas, from the spa to the two food and beverage outlets. The top-floor Yun Ying Dining Room offers Chinese fusion cuisine, where traditional recipes are given modern twists using organic and local ingredients. Here, an LED screen projects soft reds and other seasonal tonalities, while three open sides of the restaurant perfectly frame the lake view from every table. Nearby, a rooftop infinity pool appears to stretch out toward the mountains, providing a spectacular setting for quiet moments and embodying high-end experiential design.
The ArcadiaPlace, Lugu Lake is a cultural hub as much as it is a hotel. A standalone building neighbors the property, housing the Museum of Women’s Art (MoWA)—China’s first art museum dedicated to women artists, honoring the region known as the Kingdom of Women. Beyond art and design, the hotel facilitates intimate cultural exchange through activities like plant rubbing workshops and a coveted Mosuo home visit. Guests are invited into an authentic grandmother’s house, sharing butter tea and listening to elders’ stories. These intimate moments solidify the hotel’s commitment to authentic immersion, ensuring visitors not only connect with but also respect and care for the heritage of this extraordinary place.