Designed by Hong Kong-based AB Concept, the 349-room W Beijing Chang’an was inspired by the Chinese philosophy of tian yuan di fang, which considers heaven round and the earth square. This theme appears in guestroom elements, such as a circular vanity mirror, tub, area rug, and a couch that turns 360 degrees.

“The main focus of the design was the idea of Beijing as the capital of both politics and entertainment. Beijing is all about power, scale, and grandness,” says Ed Ng, co-founder of AB Concept. This penchant for the dramatic is evident in spaces like the Kitchen Table restaurant, where colored LED light soaks the space in an atmospheric glow.

Kempinski Hotels’ new global brand NUO debuted its inaugural property with the 438-room, 28-story NUO Hotel Beijing. HBA’s Singapore office crafted the property with a Ming dynasty aesthetic while avoiding the over-use of ornamentation. “It wasn’t enough just to give it a Chinese name, it needed to be imbued with Chinese characteristics and personality,” says Ian Carr, co-CEO of HBA Singapore.

Guestrooms were inspired by the Chinese tea ceremony—a signature aspect of the NUO brand that was fundamental to HBA during the design process. Organic patterns, delicate lines, and subtle colors reference the ceremony’s presentation and serving process.

At NUO, a bold stair joins the spa treatment rooms with an indoor pool amongst locally sourced stone, marble, and wood elements.

Set on Yanqi Lake at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains, the lantern-shaped Sunrise Kempinski Hotel features sustainable light conscious design fostering 25 percent more daylight than that of the average hotel. The lobby embraces this concept,  with floor-to-ceiling windows spanning five floors.

Providence, Rhode Island-based DiLeonardo further developed the light theme, framing views and intertwining geometric forms. In Sunrise Kempinski’s guestrooms, contemporary design is offset with relaxed hints of soft blue and wallpapered panels, while honey wood flooring adds a sense of warmth.

Melbourne-based BAR Studio designed the 283-room Rosewood Beijing with contrasts inspired by the city’s impervious exterior and inner sanctuaries—evident in the muted tones and mood lighting that bring an intimate quality to the property’s apartment-style accommodations.

Rosewood Beijing’s lobby conversely soars to great heights with natural timber veneer columns offset by intricate metal screens. Calligraphy-inspired Chinese patterns appear throughout, complemented by recycled bronze tiles and curated art.