Not so long ago, Guangzhou‘s accumulated wealth was exclusively evident downtown, but with the local economy continues to go full steam ahead – mind you, the Pearl River Delta already is China‘s leading economic zone – it spills over into adjacent neighbourhoods. Situated on the south bank of the Zhujiang river, the residential area of Kecun has also seen a gradual transformation in recent years, and it’s once that has resulted in an increasing number of cool and sophisticated places where locals can wind down after a busy day at the office or during the weekend.

One of the spots that has caught our eye is Hello Miss Rong – or Ni Hao Rong Xiaojie in Cantonese – a gourmet restaurant along Xingang Zhong Lu, the neighbourhood’s most important thoroughfare. Occupying a fully revamped, 140 sqm. (1,507 sq.ft.) ground floor unit of a 1960s residential building, the restaurant’s interior, created by local practice Infinity Nide, offers a bold futuristic contrast. The backdrop of Hello Miss Rong comprises of walls clad in white concrete tiles, engraved with N, H, R, X or J, the initials of the diner’s name when transcribed in Pinyin, and surfaces covered in electroplated stainless steel.

The visual effect of the latter adds oddly-shaped patches of colour to the setting. Furnishings comprise of sturdy tables with a built-in gas heater and matching benches. Attached to each table is a partition with shelving which provides guests some privacy when dining. Hello Miss Rong is concepted as a hot pot restaurant, a way of cooking originally from Sichuan province that has become hugely popular nationwide, and offers a menu of skewered meat, chicken and fish, a slew of complementary side dishes and sauces, all catering to a Chinese palate of course, in addition to plenty of pastry options for sweet tooths.