A New Hub Along the Silk Road

Once a vital outpost on the ancient Silk Road, Urumqi has emerged as a dynamic urban hub and a centerpiece of China’s westward development strategy. Positioned at the geographical center of the Eurasian continent, Urumqi serves as a critical node for trade and cultural exchange in the Silk Road Economic Belt.

The Urumqi Huamei Shengdi mixed-use development introduces a vibrant retail and hotel destination that reflects the cultural richness of Xinjiang and supports the city’s growing prominence. Strategically located in the Exhibition Area—a district designed for trade, cultural events, and international business—the project features a signature tower housing luxury hotels, a retail podium with dynamic plazas, and public spaces. Together, these elements establish the site as a landmark destination, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.

Drawing from Local Heritage

Running along the eastern edge of the 413-meter-long site, greenways and plazas introduce sunken gardens, shaded walkways, and open-air spaces with tranquil water features, creating a welcoming atmosphere at street level. The adjacent retail podium design draws inspiration from the traditional high-platform dwellings of Xinjiang, creating a human-scaled urban environment. Stacked volumes of stone, textured metal panels, and dynamic glazing evoke the feel of a modern village, while entryways and canopies reinterpret the forms of traditional Xinjiang architecture.

At its center, a grand entry hall carved into the podium links the east and west sides of the site. The hall features a vibrant winter garden beneath a canopy supported by tree-like columns, serving as an anchor point for the development. Above, the Sky Street offers a lively destination for food, entertainment, and cultural activities, bustling with energy day and night.

A Tower Inspired by Culture, Designed for Performance

Rising above the development, the landmark tower—home to the Ritz-Carlton and Westin hotels—draws inspiration from the intricate patterns of Xinjiang’s iconic atlas silk. Its diagrid structure and fine vertical fin façade strike a balance between efficiency and elegance, reducing material use while enhancing operational energy performance.

Designed to capture sweeping views of the city and the surrounding mountains, the tower creates a striking silhouette on Urumqi’s skyline. Premium amenities at the podium and crown levels provide an elevated experience for guests and visitors. Smaller hotel and office towers complement the main podium with consistent materials and careful positioning to optimize views and integrate with nearby buildings.