Duiyuelou Building in Kunming

Located in the middle section of Guanghua Street (光华街) in Kunming (昆明), the crescent-shaped buildings stand in front of Shenglitang (胜利堂) and have been part of the city’s landscape for over 70 years. These two crescent-shaped buildings are also known as “Wine Cup Buildings” (酒杯楼), as their shape resembles the outer rim of a Chinese wine cup, holding Shenglitang within. The design, conceived by Tsinghua University graduate and engineer Li Hua (李华), further emphasizes the meaning of “raising a wine cup to celebrate victory.” Over time, the “Wine Cup Buildings” have become an exemplary fusion of traditional and modern design, garnering acclaim from both Eastern and Western cultures.

Restoration and Transformation

These iconic historical buildings in the center of Kunming have witnessed decades of changes and turmoil. After years of decline, they were meticulously restored and have since undergone a spectacular transformation. Reborn as “Ruoan Duiyuelou” (若安-对月楼), the property is now managed by Kunming Ruoan Hotel Management Co., Ltd. After over a year of thoughtful design and development, “Duiyuelou” (对月楼) is now open to the public. While the exterior remains unchanged, the interior has undergone a complete transformation.

Name and Design Concept

The name “Duiyuelou” (对月楼) is derived from the phrase “人生得意须尽欢，莫使金樽空对月” (from Li Bai’s “Drinking Song”), meaning “When life is good, we must enjoy it to the fullest; don’t let the golden cup be empty while facing the moon.” It symbolizes a hopeful and joyful spirit.

Interior and Design Style

Upon entering Duiyuelou (对月楼), visitors are immediately captivated by the striking contrast between the French vintage style of the hotel’s décor and the old street just across the alley. The blending of retro and modern elements creates a strong visual impact that draws guests in.

The term “Vintage Modern” is perhaps the most fitting description of Duiyuelou’s (对月楼) design style. The hotel consists of two buildings—East and West “Wine Cups” (酒杯), each with three floors. With 35 unique rooms, the hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including mini tatami rooms for solo travelers and duplex starry sky suites for families.

Room Types and Themes

The rooms are divided into seven categories with varying price points, with the most popular being the crescent-shaped suites at the ends of the buildings. Larger rooms feature deeper tones such as navy blue, burgundy, and dark green, while smaller rooms emphasize fresh, lighter hues.

Modern and Minimalist Design

The interior design of the rooms is an exquisite blend of modern aesthetics. From the on-trend “Morandi” color palette with golden line accents to the minimalist Scandinavian-style light fixtures, every element of the room evokes the glamour of “The Great Gatsby” and carries the spirit of post-modern design.

Each room’s décor is carefully curated, with Nordic-patterned carpets, elegant silver tea sets, and vintage-style coffee tables. The walls feature original paintings by contemporary artist Wang Jing (王晶), whose dreamy and imaginative oil paintings further enhance the hotel’s ethereal atmosphere.

Antique Elegance

The hotel’s vintage theme is not exaggerated; all the furniture is meticulously chosen antique pieces from Europe, including a Louis XIII writing desk, a Napoleon-era armchair, a Bourbon dynasty bookshelf, and a steam-era brass bar counter. The Art Deco style is also present, alongside a wind-up clock that chimes at scheduled intervals, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transports guests to an elegant bygone era. The low-legged red pleated sofa by the window, paired with a small tea table, completes the vibrant and dynamic color scheme of the room, offering a visually lively experience.

Modern Amenities

In addition to its historical design, the hotel is equipped with modern amenities, including underfloor heating, bathtubs, and safes—offering a true five-star hotel experience. The south-north orientation of Duiyuelou (对月楼) ensures that each room receives ample sunlight, and in the duplex rooms, guests can enjoy stargazing through slanted windows at night.

Popular with Guests

Duiyuelou (对月楼) has earned a loyal following from both domestic and international visitors, including bloggers and Italian musicians. The hotel’s restaurant, Shuang Shenqiao (双深桥) on the first floor of the East “Wine Cup” building, serves delicious breakfasts and the traditional Yunnan crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线) for both guests and walk-in visitors. On the second floor of the West “Wine Cup,” there is a communal space where guests can read, relax, or use the conference room, which accommodates up to 20 people for small meetings.