You absolutely must…
Must Eat
Duck, three different ways. Made in China for Peking duck, Da Dong Roast Duck for deliberately over-roasted duck (which is leaner and crisper) and Duck de Chine, a restaurant that promises traditional Peking duck with a French twist.
Must Shop
Go to 798 Art Zone, the first dedicated art area in Beijing, and visit CaoChangDi for a glimpse of the work of aspiring artists from all over Asia.
Must Visit
No matter how many times you’ve seen The Last Emperor, you must visit The Forbidden City. It is the largest courtyard in the world and an unequalled spectacle.
•Located in the heart of Beijing’s old diplomatic quarters.
•A fearless mix of new ideas and old traditions.
•State-of-the-art facilities including digital entertainment systems and a stainless steel swimming pool.
The Whole Story
Timeless tradition and a captivating, contemporary dynamic are the opposing ying and yang that successfully juxtapose to make this Beijing hotel. The name derives from the ancient custom that the guest house is always situated on the opposite end of a traditional courtyard home. It is also a reference to the hotel’s fondness for contrast. Situated in the village of Sanlitun, a community based on traditional, low-build Beijing hutongs, The Opposite House stands out with its striking emerald glass exterior, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The colour is traditional but the design certainly is not. Similarly, the ground floor is open-plan and continuous in the style of a hutong, but in this case it functions as a contemporary gallery already well-known for its sculpture collection.
With 98 studios, three restaurants, two bars, a private dining facility and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, The Opposite House does not lack for facilities, yet the approach is still very much that of a small, individually minded outsider.
The Rooms
High ceilings and open-plan living evoke the atmosphere of a loft. Under floor heating and large, spa-inspired bathrooms provide the comfort. The studios are rated according to size. There is a Studio 45, 70, 95 and 115, as well as a stunning 200 sqm penthouse on two floors. All have mood lighting, digital entertainment system, free wi-fi, complimentary mini-bar, LCD TV and deep soaking tubs made of oak. The 70 has an additional daybed, the 95 an additional dining area (some with balcony) and the 115 has spacious living areas and either a balcony or personal Jacuzzi.