Yanqi Lake Beijing, China
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Resort WellnessOutside the door
The house
KempinskiSpherical lakeside landmark
Thousands of glass spectrums hang suspended across the lobby, reflecting the silhouette of the surrounding Yanshan Mountains.
“the building’s curved form affords each of the 21 floors an extra 25 per cent of natural light.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 97-meter rising-sun sphere clad in ten thousand glass panels reflecting the surrounding lake and mountains.
Notable
Lakeside grounds featuring watersport access on Yanqi Lake, outdoor tennis courts, bike rentals, and an on-site kids club.
Listed
European seasonal spa treatments, an indoor heated pool, hot and cold plunge pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
this apparition on the shores of Lake Yanqi proves that folks in China are still pushing the envelope in terms of what can be built.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set along Yanqi Lake, the grounds offer watersports and bike trails, with the Mutianyu Great Wall a short drive north.
The rooms
Bedrooms feature golden zebrano wood accents and smoked glass bathrooms, with panoramic windows framing Yanqi Lake and the peaks.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated indoor pool stretches beneath geometric ceiling louvers, flanked by minimalist loungers and blue mosaic tiles.
The spa and gym
Angled lake-view treatment rooms host seasonal European therapies, beside a light-filled gym and hot and cold plunge pools.
Views Restaurant & Bar
Slanted glass windows face the surrounding peaks and lake, and woven cocoon lanterns illuminate the upper lounge.
At the table
Copper kettles brew German beers at the microbrewery, and dedicated dining rooms prepare regional Cantonese and Huaiyang dishes.
How it began
Architect Zhang Hai Ao completed the scallop-profiled structure in 2014, designing the entrance to evoke the mouth of a fish.
Good to know
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Sunrise Kempinski Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.