- Type: Boutique Hotel
- Summary: A unique opportunity to stay in the historic Summer Palace
- Feature: Architecture and design inspired by the Ming Dynasty period
- Rooms: 51 rooms & suites
- Nearest airport: Beijing International Airport
Amenities
Location and transfer
50 minutes from Beijing International Airport by private car transfer. NB: Visas are required for China.
Culture & History
Set around the picturesque Kunming Lake and built in 1750, the vast Summer Palace is a peaceful escape from the bustle of Beijing. A magical assortment of pavilions, pathways, courtyards, formal gardens and ornate bridges evokes various chapters of China's history, including the Ming Dynasty period. Guests of Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing, are offered privileged access to this iconic site, with the opportunity to enter the grounds earlier than guests at city hotels and stroll for hours through the extensive, 290-hectare retreat.
City Highlights
Of all of Beijing's many cultural attractions, the Summer Palace is often regarded as the most beautiful, and Aman at Summer Palace has the privilege of sitting just steps away from its magnificent architecture. The former summer retreat of the Imperial family surrounds Kumming Lake and is flushed with pavilions, temples and bridges. The Chinese dynasties certainly didn't do things by half, so ensure you leave a few days to explore some of the three-thousand buildings and seven-thousand acres of land; quite a feat, but conveniently done when your hotel is located just a short walk away. For a diverse alternative to the Summer Palace, head towards the city centre and visit Beijing's Hutongs. These areas of narrow alleyways and small residential units reflect old Beijing and are a stark contrast to the wealthier abodes of its former emperors. Many people still live here and will be more than hospitable during your visit. The Hutongs are a hive of activity, with elderly men playing Chinese board games and children playing in the dusty, rundown streets.
Weddings
There can be few more romantic, atmospheric destinations for couples to celebrate their special day. The tranquil courtyards, elegant pavilions and serene water features of the Summer Palace provide ideal backdrops for ceremonies, whether the theme is intimate or grandiose. Scenic and historic settings abound, ideal for pre-ceremony cocktails, wedding photographs or for the evening banquet, while the property can be booked exclusively for wedding guests.
Spa Breaks
The Aman Spa and Fitness area is located beneath the resort in a unique, double-level underground facility, comprising nine self-contained treatment rooms, a dedicated and fully-equipped Pilates and yoga studio - naturally lit through an extensive panel of skylights - a 25-metre indoor lap pool and a 300m² gym with Technogym equipment. Other facilities include two squash courts and a juice bar serving healthy fruit and vegetable drinks. A wide range of health, wellbeing and beauty treatments can be selected from the treatment menu.