Made in China -- The flagship NUO Hotel brand makes its official debut

Embark on a unique cultural and artistic luxury journey

Beijing, June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/-- The flagship hotel of the Chinese national brand "NUO"-- Beijing NUO Hotel has officially been unveiled.The "NUO" brand, under the advocacy of Mr. Duan Qiang, Chairman of BTG Group, in collaboration with Germany's Kempinski Hotels, was developed over eight years with the philosophy of "going global, creating a national brand, and practicing Chinese service." It embodies the traditional Chinese virtue of "a promise worth a thousand pieces of gold" and carries BTG Group’s commitment to the world. Drawing inspiration from international top-tier hotel construction and management styles, as well as China’s 5,000-year history and culture, the NUO brand presents traditional ethnic cultural elements in modern artistic forms, delivering a new contemporary Chinese lifestyle and attitude of "refined reserve within, freedom in expression." It is both a continuation and interpretation of history, perfectly illustrating Chinese quality, temperament, consciousness, and tradition.

Mr. Duan Qiang, Chairman of BTG Group (center), together with Mr. Alejandro Bernabe, Global CEO of Kempinski, and

"NUO" originates from the Latin word "NOU," meaning innovation. Its Chinese name "Nuojin" is derived from the phrase "a promise worth a thousand pieces of gold." The NUO brand insists on cultural heritage but avoids rigid replication or imitation.It integrates traditional culture and aesthetic tastes into the brand’s ethos, reinterpreted by internationally renowned design teams to infuse traditional culture with vibrant modern charm. On February 27, 2008, the NUO brand made its first appearance, designed by the internationally acclaimed design consultancy Landor, and its four pillars—Chinese style, luxury, modernity, and sustainability—were officially established. Subsequently, three key themes were further defined: integration with local culture, interpretation of Chinese service, and low-carbon intelligence. The addition of Mr. Zeng Fanzhi, internationally renowned artist and honorary art advisor of the NUO brand, has brought further artistic enrichment to NUO, helping realize its vision of a modern Chinese art style. Localization is at the soul of NUO. Each location offers new inspiration and ideas to NUO, and NUO hotels in different cities deliver unique yet culturally rich living experiences. The newly launched NUO flagship hotel primarily showcases Ming Dynasty literati culture, providing a serene oasis in the bustling world, where you can enjoy the refined elegance of literati life amid fragrant tea and tranquil surroundings.

“The rapid development of China’s tourism industry in recent years reflects the market's demand for‘Made in China’a distinctive luxury national hotel brand.”Mr. Duan Qiang, Chairman of BTG Group, said,“As China’s most comprehensive and powerful tourism group, BTG Group is proud to launch NUO, a five-star hotel brand that highlights traditional Chinese historical and cultural heritage.”

In addition, as a key component of the NUO brand, "NUO Travel," developed by BTG Group, complements NUO Hotel to establish a complete service system, dedicated to providing high-end consumers with premium travel services and developing exclusive concierge services for NUO Hotels worldwide. The luxurious Hongqi fleet offered by NUO Travel provides top-tier concierge services that meet all travel needs of NUO Hotel guests. The iconic "Made in China" Hongqi sedan, a designated brand for transporting domestic and international dignitaries, delivers internationally competitive products, locally distinctive branding, and exceptional value.

Beijing NUO Hotel – Exterior

Beijing NUO Hotel

Rooted in 5,000 years of Chinese history, NUO deeply reflects the cultural origins of each city. As a comprehensive embodiment of BTG Group’s "Chinese Service" in terms of both soft and hard power, the Beijing NUO Hotel took eight years of preparation to draw on the essence of Beijing’s flourishing literary, artistic, and cultural heritage during the Ming Dynasty, perfectly interpreting the NUO brand concept and the new contemporary Chinese lifestyle and attitude of "refined reserve within, freedom in expression."

Unlike imperial culture or commoner culture, the Beijing NUO emphasizes the "literati culture" of the Ming Dynasty’s golden age, integrating poetry, calligraphy, and legendary wisdom left by Ming literati and historical figures throughout: appreciate the prosperity loved by Zhang Dai in the hotel lobby; experience the refined elegance of Wen Zhenheng and admire the bold calligraphy of Wen Zhengming in guest rooms; savor the unrestrained brushwork of Xu Wei in the Hejia Chinese restaurant; and grasp the natural spontaneity of Zhu Quan’s tea ceremony in Yuanting… everywhere conveying the carefree, leisurely, and elegant lifestyle and charm of Ming literati, elevating from material enjoyment to spiritual delight. Through the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—you can savor the tranquility between presence and absence, revealing the essence of "luxury": an elegant way of life and noble pursuit.

“Beijing NUO Hotel will uphold‘the guiding principle of "making the past serve the present"’Mr. Lu Yijun, General Manager of Beijing NUO Hotel, said,” China boasts a splendid 5,000-year history and civilization, and its unparalleled traditional charm attracts visitors from all over the world. We look forward to guests from around the globe experiencing the grandeur of ancient China reimagined through modern luxury at Beijing NUO Hotel.“Artistic masterpieces”

As a new landmark of cultural and artistic luxury, in addition to the specially designed art gallery at the entrance, the hotel lobby, guest rooms, suites, and restaurants are adorned with carefully crafted works by Chinese artists. These include four exquisite artworks custom-created for the hotel by internationally renowned Chinese artist Mr. Zeng Fanzhi. Serving as the honorary art advisor of the NUO brand, Mr. Zeng has placed large sculptures such as "Le Shan" and oil paintings like "Landscape 2014" thoughtfully throughout the hotel lobby and various spaces, collaborating with NUO to revive the traditional Chinese literati ideal of living "within art" and the spatial aesthetics of that lifestyle.

Beijing NUO Hotel – Lobby

Art and life should be closely connected; beauty should not be confined to categories—it is universal.

 “Zeng Fanzhi said,”This collaboration with BTG Group has been delightful. Through the Beijing NUO Hotel, I hope to express my consistent pursuit of beauty. Only by upholding the art of living can art truly become part of our everyday lives.“This collaboration with BTG Group has been a very pleasant one. Through Beijing Nuo Hotel as a medium, I hope to reflect my consistent pursuit of beauty. Only by adhering to the art of living can art truly become a part of our everyday lives.”

Luxurious Accommodation

The interior design of the hotel was created by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), featuring 438 rooms including 56 suites. The design draws inspiration from the home philosophy in Wen Zhenheng’s "Treatise on Superfluous Things" (Chang Wu Zhi), a work by a Ming Dynasty literatus. The layout aims for balance and symmetry, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unlimited city views. Furnishings are predominantly made of solid wood and leather, accented with understated jewel-tone accessories, creating a quietly luxurious and romantic ambiance. Silk-patterned feature walls complement solid wood and marble floors, presenting Ming-style residential characteristics in a modern and opulent way. Each guest room or suite includes a painting in the bedroom area — one of Zeng Fanzhi’s limited edition prints titled "Tramping Through Snow to Search for Plum Blossoms," "Mountain," or "Withered Tree" — truly integrating art into daily life.

Culinary Journey

Upholding a commitment to providing authentic and healthy cuisine, Beijing Nuo Hotel sources its ingredients from the “Nuo Organic Farm.” A team of chefs from ten countries crafts exquisite dishes across six restaurants and bars, including the “Hejia” Chinese Restaurant, “Yueshang” All-day International Dining, “Changxi” Creative Japanese Cuisine, the stylish bar “Op Bar” with an outdoor terrace, the boutique food shop “Joyful Bistro,” and the grand, art-filled “Lobby Lounge” that exudes elegance.

Yuan Ting, one of Nuo Hotel’s most iconic features, takes its core design elements from a modern interpretation of Ming Dynasty teahouses and tea ceremonies. Its elegant interiors, refined courtyards, and gardens blend the style of Ming teahouses with contemporary design, evoking a deep sense of traditional tea culture. Whether for a short break or a long stay, guests can find inner peace here. The teas served at Yuan Ting come from the “Nuo Tea Garden” in Yunnan, Anxi, and Wuyi Mountain regions, including rare teas specially crafted for Nuo Hotel.

Lifestyle & Wellness

Nuo Spa boasts eight luxurious treatment rooms and a Traditional Chinese Medicine service center. Inspired by the "Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" (Huang Di Nei Jing), it has developed signature spa treatments rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine across the four seasons. Custom essential oils and fragrances, inspired by Li Shizhen’s "Compendium of Materia Medica" from the Ming Dynasty, are made from pure, high-quality natural ingredients and special Chinese herbs. Nuo Spa offers guests a truly exceptional wellness experience.

Meetings & Events

With the opening of Beijing Nuo Hotel came its state-of-the-art meeting and banquet facilities, covering an area of 2,500 square meters. These include 14 multifunctional rooms and the 1,600-square-meter pillar-less Yongle Grand Ballroom. The Yongle Grand Ballroom, with a ceiling height of 9 meters, can accommodate up to 1,600 people and features natural lighting, a car lift, and lifting points. It is equipped with a projection screen and a 75-square-meter LED display, delivering an impressive audiovisual experience.

Green Intelligence

In line with Nuo Hotel’s commitment to being a “low-carbon, green, and smart hotel,” Beijing Nuo Hotel is equipped with an advanced air purification system using F8-grade filters certified by the European Committee for Standardization, which efficiently removes over 90% of PM2.5. The building’s façade utilizes the German Schüco system, significantly reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. The intelligent lighting control system greatly cuts down electricity usage for illumination. Adhering to the “green building” model, the hotel seriously follows the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification standards and has achieved LEED Gold Pre-certification.

Management Team

Beijing Nuo Hotel has assembled a management team of top domestic and international talent. Actively drawing on international best practices, the team has established comprehensive service, engineering, operations, and low-carbon management standards. While aligning services with international norms, the team also integrates Chinese character and sensibility. We are dedicated to delivering Chinese hospitality that meets international standards, reflects local characteristics, and offers exceptional value — interpreting Nuo Hotel’s unique level of service through the timeless art of Chinese guest reception.