Tired of staying at your average hotel? Then let me introduce you to one of China’s strangest work of architecture, the Tianzi Hotel, a multistory structure made up of what appears to be three old men in traditional Chinese clothing.
The Tianzi Hotel is definitely one of China’s more interesting and creative architecture. This work of art was built sometime between 2000 and 2001, and is located in a small town in the Hebei province in China. This building also happened to receive the Guiness Book of Records for being the “biggest image building.” The three bearded figures that are up this hotel were designed to directly represent three Chinese gods, Fu, Lu, and Shou. Since the Ming Dynasty, the three deities each represented an aspect of successful living.
The figure in the center with a red robe is Fu(福), who represents fortune. On the right, is Lu(禄), who is associated with prosperity, specifically related to achieving a high government official rank back then. Lastly, the figure on the left is Shou(寿), who is linked to longevity. Shou carries a peach in his hand as depicted in Chinese tradition. It just so happens that the peach is also a room available for rent! While this hotel is quite odd in appearance, I’m sure that this hotel will provide you with an enjoyable experience with all the good fortune that Fu, Lu and Shou bring!
Sources:http://shanghaiist.com/2010/05/07/tianzi-hotel/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tianzi-hotelhttp://style.time.com/2012/11/05/15-buildings-that-dont-look-like-buildings/slide/tianzi-hotel/
Cool! I would definitely want to live in a peach. Although it seems more appealing to tourist, it is still really cool. I am still really curious to see how they built it. It must have taken a long time to show each detail of the building.
That is so cool! I wonder if people specifically ask for a room that is represented by one god. For example, they might want fortune, so they want to rent a room that is blessed by the god of fortune. I’m guessing that the peach room is fully booked! Thanks for sharing!
This is so cool!! This really interesting and I would like to see it in person. I wonder how long it actually took to make it. It look like very hard work was put into making it which shows the dedication of Chinese people spreading their art.
This is a stunning architecture! I’ve seen 福祿壽 in traditional Chinese home decor but using them as a building is such an original idea! Can’t wait to visit and check out the interior decor. Great article!
Great article! I learned so much. I had no idea that a building like this existed. I love how the building is unique. I love that it won a world record from the Guiness Book of Records. I like that the 3 bodies represented 3 Chinese goods. I like how the gods represent something that was probably important to the owner.
This is a great article! Wow, this is a very nice piece of architecture. I never knew that this building existed. It reminds me of Mount Rushmore. It is crazy how it won a Guiness World record. It is cool how each figure represents something.
Interesting article. The Tianzi Hotel is definitely a place I want to visit. The articture is very intriguing becuase it really catches peoples eyes. I like how the three men all represent something.Its awesome how it made it to the Guniess Book of Records that is crazy!
Interesting article, Andrew! This hotel is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It is amazing how each man is a different god and represent aspects of successful living. It’s so cool how the peach is available for rent. I would love to visit this hotel one day. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, this building looks so interesting! It definitely takes a lot of work to preserve the paint and framework from the natural elements. The fact that it’s so well kept speaks volumes about how valued this building is. In addition, what each of the figures represent brings even deeper meaning for the hotel. If I was to rent a room in this hotel, I am definitely going for the room with a pearl. Thanks for sharing!
Great article Andrew! I actually don’t mind staying in an average hotel because I hate change, but this is actually pretty interesting. It’s actually a really good idea because most people don’t like to stay in boring old rooms, when they can stay in something like this. I like how each tower represents something. I can’t believe the peach is a room too!
Wow, great article! I had no idea that there was such a creative and colorful hotel in China! I think the concept of the hotel is very original and holds true to Chinese culture. I loved how each figure represents aspects of Chinese value- fortune, prosperity, and longevity. I would definitely love to stay at this hotel- especially the peach!
This was an informative article, Andrew. I would love to be able to see this building in real life! I love the meaning and how each tower represents something. I think it would be a great opportunity to stay at this hotel! I would love to be able to stay in the peach! I can’t believe that this architecture made it into the Guiness book of World Records!