The Opposite House
Beijing, China
Chaoyang
Vibe
An emerald glass cube opens into a soaring atrium where metallic mesh sweeps down over rotating art installations and Chinese apothecary drawers.
“Emerald glass jewel-box”
An emerald glass exterior encloses a soaring atrium draped in metallic mesh, anchored by a six-thousand-drawer acrylic apothecary wall.
Deskless iPad check-in, flexible late departures, and minimalist guest studios centered around deep oak soaking tubs.
Evenings revolve around Silk Road cocktails at Union and weekend crowds gathering at destination nightspots.
In Sanlitun, integrated into the bustling retail, dining, and nightlife complex of Taikoo Li.
“Beijing’s original design-driven hotel stirs up playfulness with a deep sense of zen.”
Rooms
Minimalist wood studios feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Sanlitun, paired with heated floors and deep oak soaking tubs.
“The result is a slick emerald-hued glass cube that suitably fits the Sanlitun neighbourhood’s growing reputation from seedy expat hangout to hip fashion hub.”
Wellness
A 22-meter stainless-steel indoor lap pool sits in the basement, glowing beneath a ceiling of fiber-optic starlight.
Backstory
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma structured the property around ancient courtyard traditions, where the guest lodge historically faced the main house.
Eat & drink
Union crafts Silk Road cocktails in a copper-framed salon, alongside Sichuan street food at Superfly and roast Peking duck.
The neighborhood
Set directly within the Taikoo Li complex, the property sits surrounded by Sanlitun boutiques, cocktail bars, and international embassy avenues.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.