Flowing Scroll

This Chinese restaurant, located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown, presents a spatial experience that flows seamlessly between cultural heritage and contemporary expression, united under the overarching theme of water.
The gallery space is inspired by traditional Chinese ink painting, where varying shades of black, white, and grey mimic the tonal richness and fluid brushwork of landscape scrolls. The winding pathway evokes the gentle flow of water, guiding visitors as if they are stepping through an unfolding ink composition. Curved walls, recessed lighting, and sculptural ceiling forms enhance this immersive effect, offering a tranquil environment where users feel as though they are journeying through a living painting.
In contrast, the adjoining restaurant vividly reimagines the urban lifestyle of the Northern Song Dynasty in the 12th century—a golden era of commerce, art, and culture. Wooden lattice partitions, elegant lantern-style lighting, and teal velvet seating evoke the architectural warmth and refined sophistication of that time. The seating layout recalls the bustling, yet orderly rhythm of a Song Dynasty city, while a central dry garden—featuring a symbolic boat set amidst white gravel and greenery—anchors the space in nature and historical symbolism.
Together, the gallery and dining areas create a narrative that bridges past and present, stillness and movement, art and daily life. The concept of water flows through both spaces: in the gallery, it takes the form of contemplative ink and motion; in the restaurant, it channels the vitality of river-centered Song urban culture. This duality not only deepens the cultural atmosphere but also pays tribute to the dynamic spirit of San Francisco’s Chinatown—where tradition and modernity continue to coexist in harmony