Exploring the Hidden Gem: Unique Luxury Hotel Near the Great Wall
When it comes to exploring the vast stretch of the Great Wall of China, many people flock to the overcrowded areas of Badaling or Mutianyu, both close to Beijing. However, what if there's another way?
Nestled an hour north of Beijing's bustling downtown, a quaint commune with modernist structures provides a unique opportunity to access the Great Wall on foot. Among these modernist buildings is a luxury hotel, showcasing design excellence, surrounded by the golden hues of Ginkgo leaves.
No more waiting in lines for hours or navigating through hoards of tourists; this rural gem offers guests an easy, serene 20-minute walk to reach the Shuiguan section of the Great Wall. Unlike crowded tourist spots, here you'll find no long lines, bus-packed parking lots, or noisy tour guides.
Instead, a breathtaking view awaits you at the top of the highest tower atop the Great Wall, offering an unobstructed panorama. The best part? No restrictions whatsoever.
An Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury Experience
It isn't just the lush greenery and tranquility that draws visitors to this rural commune at the foot of the Great Wall: it's an experience unlike any other.
Unlike traditional hotels, this location is known as an "albergo diffuso" - a decentralized hotel where guests stick to multiple buildings throughout a vast space, rather than a centralized establishment.
At first glance, the seemingly disjointed buildings might make navigation tricky for first-time visitors. But don't be alarmed; the info center acts as the central hub and dining area, and golf carts whisk guests away from check-in to their rooms with ease.
This unusual setup is a brainchild of developers Pan Shiyi and Zhang Xin, formerly co-founders of Soho, the leading real estate company in China. They dreamed of building a cluster of high-end villas for China's elite, which eventually transformed into the current hotel.
Artist's Touch
Expert Asian architects, celebrity designers, and globe-trotting talents joined forces to design this enchanting commune at the foot of the Great Wall.
All-star architects like Kengo Kuma, Xueyi Chien, and Gary Chang contributed astonishing villas to this project: it's like an architectural Avengers team.
Pan and Zhang even batted for local materials and local flair to seamlessly fit their villas into the surrounding landscape.
Taking inspiration from the iconic watertowers and Ginkgo trees surrounding the area, architect Shigeru Ban designed the Furniture House – his first project in China, where he integrated furniture into the construction itself.
An Attraction Unlike Any Other
The charming commune at the foot of the Great Wall has garnered numerous accolades since its 2002 debut at the Venice Architecture Biennale, winning a special prize. Today, a dozen core buildings await your discovery.
Greenery and architectural marvels intertwine, integrating the stunning natural beauty and artistic brilliance that makes China a destination of unparalleled allure.
With more villas constantly being added to the lush mountainous landscape, there's no shortage of unique design elements to explore. From Ai Weiwei's artistic imprints to contemporary masterpieces, every turn reveals a new artistic triumph.
With the commune's upcoming entrance into the Liang Distinctive Collection at Hyatt Resorts, guests will now receive extra perks from their loyalty points.
In 2024, the original core buildings will undergo renovations and rejuvenations – breathing fresh new life into dining experiences, lush gardens, and architectural blockbusters.
Fortunately, even as the commune continues to evolve, guests can still immerse themselves in this unique off-the-beaten-path luxury experience at the foot of the Great Wall.
Will you join us in this incredible journey?
This upscale hotel closest to the Great Wall boasts a distinctive design and gourmet dining, yet more importantly, offers the elusive chance for guests to walk just minutes away from the historically significant Shuiguan section of the Great Wall.
To understand the area's history and learn more about unique luxury hotels with direct access to the Great Wall of China, the following resources can help:
- TripAdvisor: Search for hotels in Badaling, Yanqing, Beijing, and look for those with direct access to the Great Wall. Some hotels suggested in the search results include the Commune by the Great Wall Ubc and Badaling Bixue Zhuangyuan Hotel.
- Trip.com Travel Guide: Search for Badaling Great Wall travel guides in Yanqing, Beijing, and check for hotels with direct access information, as the Great Wall Courtyard Inn is listed nearby.
- Hotel Websites: Visit the websites of luxury hotels in the Yanqing area, such as the Commune by the Great Wall Ubc, to see if they offer direct access to the Great Wall.
- Travel Forums and Blogs: Explore websites like Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, or specialized travel blogs for detailed reviews and recommendations for unique luxury hotels with direct access to famous landmark attractions such as the Great Wall of China.
With these resources, you can find more info on unique luxury hotels with direct access to the Great Wall in Yanqing, Beijing.
[1] TripAdvisor: [2] Trip.com Travel Guide:
