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Mandarin Oriental Unveils Second Hotel in Beijing, Inspired by Traditional Hutongs
Written by Stephanie Mikkelsen
The award-winning hotel brand opens its second outpost in the Chinese capital.
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing was officially opened with on-brand fanfare in early September. Each Mandarin Oriental holds its own ceremonial fan design – an identity unique to each hotel – and this swanky stay is no different. Designed by Chinese artist Xu Bing, the hotel’s signature fan draws on his trademark square character calligraphy, with the phrase ‘Unveil Beijing’s Soul’ brushed across the fan in Chinese ink in homage to the hotel’s ethos.
Located in the historic Beijing Central Axis complex – a traditional hutong neighbourhood in 2024 listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site – the hotel is home to just 42 accommodations, each a spacious and luxuriously appointed courtyard house unique to the city. Narrow alleys formed by the lines of traditional courtyard residences, hutongs have long been associated with China’s northern cities. Andy Guan, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, says at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, “We are truly honoured to open the doors of our unique hutong sanctuary, offering guests an unparalleled hospitality experience in the Chinese capital.”
Ranging from the Deluxe Courtyard to Three-Bedroom Courtyard, the house-inspired suites feature exposed timber roof beams, local artwork concepts, garden access with outdoor dining, and private courtyards. The Peking Mansion is a masterclass in quiet luxury with one grand bedroom, a tearoom, living and dining space. A make-your-own-cocktail kit and personal butler service are included too.
Guests can cherry-pick from four dining venues. TIAO is the contemporary cocktail bar, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or late evening digestifs; The Maple Lounge looks out over an internal courtyard and serves traditional Chinese and oriental teas. For more substantial fare, Yan Garden by Chef Fei proffers upscale Cantonese and Chaozhou cuisine from Chef Fei (the culinary powerhouse behind other Mandarin Oriental diners, including the two Michelin-starred Jiang by Chef Fei), while VICINI turns local ingredients into regional Italian plates.
The hotel’s proximity to Beijing’s biggest sites – including The Forbidden City, Qianmen and The Temple of Heaven – make it easy to discover the city’s rich history of the city. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental makes a welcoming sanctuary upon your return, with private treatment suites, a Tea House, healing space and a fitness centre.
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