LEAF CIGAR BAR
GuangZhou, China
LEAF CIGAR BAR
Design Time: 2024.04 - 2024.06
Project Location: GuangZhou, China
Building Area: 160sqm
Principal Architect: Ma Ning
Project Manager: Du Jing
Design Team: Li Zimu, Yang Shaohui, Zhu Ke
Photography: Luo Canhui
In 1924, Xu Zhimo named the cigar in Chinese, blending form and meaning in a name still used today. A century later, the “LEAF” Cigar Bar in Sihai City, Guangzhou, continues this legacy. Its design, inspired by the rhythm of poetry, weaves together form and meaning, creating a space where rhythm and order harmonize. The semi-curved entrance, like a portal, guides visitors into a mysterious, inviting space. Curved and linear elements contrast simplicity with richness, and the interplay of light and shadow enhances the sense of time and space.
The bar’s design is inspired by the elegant gesture of cigar smoke. Curved metal bars and bronzed ceilings evoke a sense of ceremony and openness. The lower level’s white space offers endless possibilities. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring in natural scenery while blocking out urban noise, creating a serene atmosphere. The bar’s smooth lines define serving and social areas, while mirrored wine racks and micro-cement walls add depth. Soft amber lighting and colorful wine bottles create a cozy, jazzy ambiance.
The VIP area balances transparency and privacy, with delicate wood finishes and textured walls. The bronze color scheme adds sophistication, and light and shadow effects create a timeless experience. Drawing from 1920s speakeasies, the space blends tradition and modernity, offering an immersive, evocative experience. Here, visitors can escape the outside world and enjoy a moment of pure relaxation, surrounded by the rich narrative of the space.








"Everything is absolutely traditional, yet absolutely non-traditional. It's like a cocktail mixing classic, modernism, intelligence and creativity.










