Beijing, ChinaWangfujing
The Temple Hotel
Restored temple cloister
Wangfujing Beijing, China
Renovated
2012
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
Restored temple cloister
Courtyards framed by Qing Dynasty timberwork host contemporary sculptures, quiet meditative spaces, and sunset viewings under the open sky.
“the eight-room Temple Hotel near the Forbidden City is a rare survivor.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Centuries-old timber beams and imperial tiles blend with modernist Ingo Maurer lighting and a James Turrell Skyspace.
Remarkable
A restored 600-year-old Qing Dynasty Tibetan Buddhist temple compound honored with a UNESCO heritage conservation award.
Remarkable
Inhabited Qing Dynasty temple courtyards offering breakfast served in traditional lacquered tilan boxes amid quiet hutongs.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
Now, it's a complex of eight guest rooms, an acclaimed French restaurant, an art gallery, and Gathered Sky, the only James Turrell ‘Skyspace’ installation in China.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Hidden along quiet Dongcheng hutong alleyways, the secluded compound sits just northeast of Jingshan Park and the Forbidden City.
The rooms
Former monk quarters feature preserved ceiling beams and antique canopied beds, while adjoining factory suites pair polished concrete with mid-century furniture.
At the table
Temple Restaurant Beijing serves European fine dining in a restored factory hall, and drinks are poured in the courtyard lounge.
How it began
The complex served as an imperial Tibetan Buddhist temple before producing Beijing's first television sets during the mid-twentieth century.
Beijing
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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.