Huatian Chinagora
Product brand
UnclaimedA Chinese-themed luxury hotel complex on the Seine-Marne confluence in Alfortville, France, inspired by the Forbidden City.
Last updated September 26, 2026
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Overview
Huatian Chinagora is a distinctive Chinese-themed hotel and resort located in Alfortville, in the Val-de-Marne department of France, at the confluence of the Seine and Marne rivers. Often described as a 'floating pagoda,' the complex was built in 1992 based on designs by Chinese architect Liang Kunhao, who drew inspiration from Beijing's Forbidden City. The building is a rare example of traditional Chinese imperial architecture in the Paris region and is visible from the RER D, Metro Line 8, the Paris-Lyon TGV line, and the A4 motorway. The hotel features 187 rooms across nine floors, including superior suites, and offers amenities such as two top-floor terraces with views of the Eiffel Tower, two restaurants serving traditional Chinese cuisine (including dim sum and woks), a large reception hall, private salons, and a private Chinese garden. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and luxuriously decorated, each with a private balcony overlooking the Seine or the interior courtyard. The property also includes a secure underground garage with 500 parking spaces. It is located approximately 3.1 miles from Bercy Village, and Metro Line 8 is a 10-minute walk away. Originally known simply as Chinagora, the complex struggled financially for years and was referenced in French literature as a symbol of ambitious but troubled development. In 2012, it was acquired by the Huatian Group, a luxury hotel company owned by the Chinese province of Hunan. The new owners undertook a complete renovation in 2016 with a budget of 22 million euros, modernizing the facilities while preserving its distinctive architectural character. Today, Huatian Chinagora operates as a four-star hotel and event venue, catering to both leisure and business travelers, and has appeared in popular culture, including the American series 'Emily in Paris' and a music video by Maître Gims.
History
The complex was originally built in 1992 under the name Chinagora, based on plans by Chinese architect Liang Kunhao, who drew inspiration from the Forbidden City in Beijing. It was conceived as a major commercial and hotel development at the confluence of the Seine and Marne rivers in Alfortville, a suburb southeast of Paris. Despite its architectural ambition, the complex faced financial difficulties over the years and was referenced in French literature as a symbol of unrealized potential. In Jean Echenoz's novel 'Je m'en vais', it is described as a 'vast Chinese commercial and hotel complex' that 'stands on the riverbank and on the verge of bankruptcy.' Similarly, Nolwenn le Blevennec's 'La trajectoire de l'aigle' calls it a 'megalomaniac pagoda-building... once an attraction for the south of Paris and the 94.' In 2012, the property was acquired by the Huatian Group, a luxury hotel company owned by the Chinese province of Hunan. The new ownership undertook a comprehensive renovation in 2016 with a budget of 22 million euros, aiming to restore the hotel to its former glory while updating its facilities. The renovation preserved the distinctive Chinese architectural elements, including the pagoda-like structure and the Chinese garden, while modernizing the interiors and amenities. Since the renovation, Huatian Chinagora has operated as a four-star hotel with 187 rooms, two restaurants, event spaces, and a private garden. It has also gained recognition in popular culture: the interior garden was used as a filming location for the music video 'Ceci n'est pas un clip #5 - Sharingan' by Maître Gims featuring The Shin Sekaï, L'Insolent, and Orelsan, and the hotel appeared in the tenth episode of the second season of the American series 'Emily in Paris.' The hotel continues to serve as a unique hospitality and event venue in the Paris region.
- 2016
Complete renovation undertaken with a budget of 22 million euros.
- 2012
Acquired by Huatian Group, a luxury hotel company owned by Hunan Province, China.
- 1992
Construction of Chinagora complex completed, designed by architect Liang Kunhao inspired by the Forbidden City.
Products and positioning
A unique Chinese-themed luxury hotel and event destination in the Paris region, offering an immersive 'trip to China' experience.
Superior Suite
70 square meters of silence with sunlight going through the curtains.
Chinese restaurant
Serves traditional Chinese cuisine including dim sum and woks.
Private Chinese garden
A well-kept garden for guests to enjoy.
Event and banquet facilities
Large reception hall and private salons for events.
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