EAST, Beijing which opened in September 2012, is preparing for its first Christmas by exhibiting a Christmas tree installation created from Chinese porcelain by Chinese artist Chen Lei.

This highly original seasonal decoration by Chinese artist Chen Lei references the close proximity of EAST, Beijing to the 798 Contemporary Art District, and has been unveiled to the public in December 2012.

EAST, Beijing’s artistically inspired Christmas tree comprises hundreds of blue and white enamel porcelain plates. Found in restaurants and cafeterias across China, blue and white porcelain is a symbol of calmness, cleanliness, sincerity and simplicity to the Chinese people. Chen Lei’s use of this material and these colours to create a Christmas tree fuses important cultural symbols from both East and West.

The evergreen tree is a traditional emblem of Christmas celebrations around the world, and is usually decorated with ornaments and gifts in rich festive colours such as red and gold. By reinterpreting this seasonal symbol of hope, vitality and togetherness using Chinese porcelain, Chen Lei provides guests and visitors to EAST, Beijing, with fresh visual experiences and emotional connections.



Born in Shangqiu, Chen Lei graduated from China’s Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2003, and now lives and works in Beijing. His sculptures examine the transformational influences on Chinese youth culture, and his work evokes the memories and fantasies that connect people with their childhood. In addition to exhibitions at Li-Space, Keumsan Gallery, Star Gallery and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, plus the Shanghai Art Museum, Chen Lei’s art has been showcased internationally, most recently at the Manchester Art Gallery (England), Stadtgalerie (Kiel, Germany), Ministry of Art (Berlin, Germany) and Mannheimer Kunstverein (Mannheim, Germany).

“Chen Lei’s porcelain Christmas tree is a fascinating piece of art that combines the western tradition of Christmas with important elements of Chinese culture. We are proud to be displaying such a unique and eye-catching piece of contemporary art for visitors and guests during EAST, Beijing’s first festive season,” says Anthony Ross, Area General Manager-Beijing of Swire Hotels.

In addition to viewing and photographing the porcelain tree, guests and visitors at EAST, Beijing will enjoy a selection of festive dining specials throughout December at all-day dining room, Feast (Food by EAST); Californian-inspired Japanese restaurant, Hagaki; and Xian, a dynamic pub, whiskey bar, live music and games venue whose design is inspired by the industrial architecture of Beijing’s 798 Art Zone.

Australian Executive Chef Robert Cunningham, who has worked in top kitchens in the UK, Europe, Japan, and most recently at the award-winning Capital M restaurant in Beijing, showcases his creativity and passion for fresh seasonal ingredients in an array of innovative festive menus that promise to add extra sparkle to Christmas celebrations.

EAST, Beijing is located at INDIGO in Jiangtai, Chaoyang District. This new destination between the 4th and 5th Ring Roads also comprises a trendsetting shopping mall; a 25-storey Grade-A office complex INDIGO ONE, plus 17 hectares of parkland. Only 15 minutes from Beijing International Capital Airport, Jiangtai is one of Beijing’s most attractive business addresses, with easy access to the city’s CBD and Wangjing area. The 798 Art District and Caochangdi Art Zone are also in the neighbourhood.

The 369-room EAST, Beijing is designed to provide a refreshing and contemporary approach to the business hotel experience. A high-tech environment, paperless check-in/out, and a one-stop front-desk Guest Experience service team mean that life at EAST is efficient and business ready. Fabulous dining, a fully equipped gym, indoor swimming pool and outdoor splash pool, plus The Workshop for meetings and events, make this truly a ‘business hotel with a life’.