Design Take: China Tang Dubai

China Tang’s Dubai debut takes form through a design vision rooted in its iconic aesthetic old-school glamour, rich lacquered surfaces, and the dramatic play of light that has defined the brand from London to Hong Kong. The ambition is not to replicate but to reinterpret, shaping an environment that honours its lineage while embracing the architectural energy of Dubai. Executed by PANORAMA Design Group, who brought this vision to life with refined elegance and thoughtful detailing.

The result unfolds across two levels inside The Lana, where 8,000 square feet of raw space are transformed into a richly textured interior. The palette pairs ocean blue with desert yellow, a nod to both Shanghai elegance and the surrounding landscape. Double-height ceilings amplify the main dining room, offering sweeping marina views framed by soft, theatrical lighting and exquisite table settings. A sculpted stairwell and bespoke guest lift create a seamless flow between floors, guiding guests from reception into the heart of the restaurant.

Design statement pieces elevate the experience from the moment of arrival. The showpiece duck oven positioned deliberately at the entrance functions as a visual anchor, blurring the line between utility and architecture. Upstairs, the lounge becomes a world of its own, defined by a mirrored, illuminated ceiling that transforms the room into a reflective atmosphere.

Throughout the space, refined craftsmanship becomes the binding language. Illuminated feature walls go through multiple iterations to perfect their colour and luminosity. Acoustic glass partitions are engineered to deliver both performance and aesthetic harmony, aligning precisely with suspended decorative frames. Joinery elements from reception desk to washroom millwork are executed with an obsessive attention to detail, giving each surface a quiet richness.

Every design choice, from structural interventions to finishing touches, serves one purpose: to create a setting where heritage and modernity meet in balance. Stepping back at the end reveals a complete visual narrative an interior that glows with the glamour of China Tang’s past while standing confidently as Dubai’s newest design landmark.