Since its opening as both a boutique hotel and a semi-architectural museum in October, 2002, the Commune has become a must-visit place in China and received over 200,000 visitors across the world.
Commune by The Great Wall Kempinski is a private collection of contemporary architecture designed by 12 Asian architects. It was exhibited at the 2002 la Biennale di Venezia. A special prize to an individual patron of architectural works was awarded to Ms Zhang Xin, the mastermind and the investor of the project for her bold personal initiative which emphasizes the role of 12 Asian architects in building privately-owned houses in a definitely contemporary manner. The exhibited project model, made of wood and cardboard, has been collected by the Centre Pompidou, Paris, as its first permanent collection from China.
The Commune's natural setting is intensely beautiful. Eleven houses, ranging in size from 4 to 6 bedrooms, are dispersed along the steep slope of the quiet valley. Each House frames dramatic views of the sinuous landscape and The Great Wall. There is also a private path to the original Great Wall at the Commune. The Club House serves multiple purposes and houses a courtyard restaurant, a lounge, a large swimming pool/function hall, a gallery, a cinema plus a library attired in purple and peacock feathers.
Commune by the Great Wall has become a showcase of contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture. It has been widely covered by both Chinese and international media as a momentous breakthrough in architectural history in Asia and has become an icon of new China. In December 2005, Commune by the Great Wall was named by Business Week as a New Architectural Wonder of China .
The Commune has been constantly selected in the world s best hotels lists. It is the only hotel from mainland China selected by Cond Nast Traveler as one of 100 Hot Hotels in the World in 2004 and was included in the Tatler Travel Guide, 2005 as one of "the 101 Best Hotels", ranked among the 10 best "Boutique" hotels. The Commune has accommodated famous guests including Hollywood actresses Renee Zellweger and Michelle Yeoh, director Anthony Minghella, Hong Kong celebrity designer Flora Cheong, Hong Kong tycoon Richard Lee, Tod s founder, Delle Valle, F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, tennis star Serena Williams, and soccer coach Arie Haan.
The Commune is also the perfect place for corporate retreats and parties as well as product launches of high-end luxury brands. Its recent clients include Porsche, BMW, GE, Missoni, Sony and Hermes.
