Waldorf Astoria Chengdu
Chengdu, China

The Woven Histories of Chengdu

Briefed to capture the sentiments of Chengdu’s cultures, ArtLink were asked to consult for the Waldorf Astoria Chengdu. Delicately blending the rich histories of ancient Chengdu and the modern aspirations of the new city, the team sought to emphasise the local pioneering craftsmanship of brocade, silk and lacquerwork and its developments over many centuries. With topography representing the physical and philosophical shifts in culture, ArtLink specified artistic interpretations of Chengdu’s dynamic and changing landscapes through various mediums.

Old DujianGyan Abstract Maps

For the lobby, master artisan Jinli Shen and her studio, Jenli Lacquer Art Studio, created two large-scale Old Dujiangyan Abstract Map artworks, made of lacquer and each taking over 1,000 hours to complete.

This piece depicts the Dujiangyan water system, an ancient and ingenious irrigation network that has sustained Chengdu for more than two millennia. The artwork translates the system’s complexity into a richly layered composition, using depth, movement, and tone to evoke the flow and cultural significance of water in Sichuan.

Peacock Impression

Measuring 15 meters wide by 25 meters tall, the second monumental lacquer work draws inspiration from the feathers of a peacock, revered in ancient Chinese lore as the incarnation of the phoenix. The piece incorporates the five traditional colours of the peacock’s plumage: red, yellow, blue, green, and purple. The sweeping composition references grace, transformation, and renewal, qualities long associated with both the mythical phoenix and the evolving spirit of Chengdu.

Chengu Silk

Each lift lobby features a bespoke silkscreen print, paying tribute to Chengdu’s rich heritage of silk craftsmanship. The use of this traditional technique reflects the city’s long-standing role as a center of fine textile production and honors the artistry woven into its cultural fabric.

Custom Headboard Artwork

ArtLink’s curators art directed a bespoke headboard design that weaves together motifs inspired by Chengdu’s native flora and fauna. Subtle yet richly detailed, the artwork brings a sense of place into each guest room, reflecting the natural beauty and cultural identity of the region.