The Commune by the Great Wall, Beijing
Opened in October 2002, this exclusive complex of 11 villas forms a private collection of living architecture, specially commissioned by a collection of prominent Asian architects. Developed by husband and wife team Pan Shiyi and Zhang Xin at SOHO China, the pared-down crisp design creates simple lines that beautifully frame the surrounding mountain landscape and the Great Wall.
A total of 46 rooms are currently open and once the second phase of construction is completed, this number will grow to 265. Guests are provided with room service, private butler service, a Club House concierge and a dedicated meetings concierge. There is also a communal Club House offering a courtyard restaurant, lounge, swimming pool, gallery, private cinema and a library, attired in peacock feathers. A private path from the property also gives guests direct access to the Great Wall.
Offering not just a hotel stay, but an other-worldly architectural experience has already garnered The Commune by the Great Wall international recognition. The project won a special prize at the 2002 Biennale di Venezia, establishing it as a showcase for contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture. Cond Nast Traveler named the hotel among the 100 Hot Hotels in the World in 2004 and Tatler Travel Guide ranked the hotel among the 10 best Boutique Hotels in 2005. As China becomes increasingly prominent on the world stage, the serene, stylish surroundings of The Commune seem to embody the country s cultural aspirations and set out an agenda for the West to take notice of. Its clearly working as The Commune s notoriety recently attracted well known cultural authority Jennifer Jenny from the Block Lopez to throw a party at the hotel. If that s not a barometer of cutting edge style and class then I don t know what is.
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