The Peninsula Beijing has reopened following its $123 million renovation from Henry Leung of Hong Kong-based CAP Atelier. The ornate property’s design draws inspiration from the imperial palaces of China’s Middle Kingdom, outfitted with tranquil gardens for an oasis theme.
The lobby has been crafted to mirror Beijing’s modern transformation and has been reconfigured to entail three stories—a brand signature. Imperial symbolism and luxurious materials such as bronze, onyx, white marble, and rosewood decorate the space, chosen for their significance in Chinese history. Partially influenced by tortoise shells and peonies, 160,000 hexagonal Imperial motifs are spread throughout the lobby, handcarved into the lobby’s six large pillars, and showcased in the bronze grand staircase. The lobby is also adorned with 3,500 individually selected Palissandro marble pieces.
Guests will arrive through the hotel’s signature pailou archway and will be greeted by some of the artwork installed as part of the property’s Art Residency program. Current exhibitions include nine turtle-shaped granite sculptures from British sculptor Jon Isherwood in the forecourt, Belinda Chow’s handcarved onyx Spirit Wall in the lobby, abstract ink paintings from artist Qin Feng on either side of the grand staircase, and two bronze sculptures from Zhang Du.
The Peninsula Beijing’s original room count of 525 rooms has been overhauled to offer 230 spacious, suite-style rooms, each of which feature a separate bedroom, living room, bathroom, and dressing room. Rooms are outfitted using sustainable mahogany and hand-finished Italian furniture reminiscent of luxury cruise liners. A cream, blue, and white palette is featured alongside hand-embroidered floral imagery in the wallpaper and a Chinese calligraphy-inspired fish mosaic in bathrooms.
The hotel’s onsite dining facilities employ nearly 90 Chinese and international chefs and collaborate with 22 Chinese farms. A new restaurant has been installed in the lobby, while the global concept Jing has been reimagined as a contemporary farm-to-table concept adorned with modern designs and artwork. The signature eatery Huang Ting reimagines a traditional Beijing nobleman’s home, and the adjacently located Huang Ting Tea Lounge is styled like an ancient palace complete with parasols and tables from the Ming Dynasty.
An onsite spa and fitness center is also offered.
