Unique Circular Sunrise Kempinski Hotel in China

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing is not just a hotel but a true architectural landmark, famous for its rising sun shape and deep symbolism. It represents a harmonious combination of luxury, modern design, and Chinese cultural tradition. Located approximately 60 kilometers north of central Beijing, in the picturesque Huairou district on the shores of Yanqi Lake, this hotel attracts tourists and architecture enthusiasts from around the world.

General information about the hotel and the Kempinski brand

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing opened its doors in 2014. As part of the Kempinski chain, which is considered one of the oldest European hotel groups (Kempinski was founded in 1897), the hotel embodies classical hospitality standards and high technology. It has 21 floors, offering guests 302 exquisite rooms and suites, as well as extensive facilities for leisure and business events.

The hotel features six restaurants and bars, offering cuisines from around the world. Additionally, for the convenience of guests, there are conference rooms, a grand ballroom, a children's club, a fitness center with an indoor pool, and a spa. The combination of comfort and advanced solutions makes Sunrise Kempinski Hotel one of the most iconic 5-star hotels in China.

Location and surroundings

The hotel is located on the shores of Yanqi Lake, surrounded by the beautiful Yanshan Mountains, creating a stunning landscape. The rooms offer panoramic views not only of the mountain range but also of the famous Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. In addition to Mutianyu, other notable attractions are located nearby:

• Huanghuacheng Great Wall
• Hongluo Temple
• Qinglong Gorge
• Beijing Huabei International Ski Resort
• Baiquan Mountain
• Yanqi Lake Park

Thanks to such a variety of places for recreation and excursions, the Huairou district is suitable for both active travelers and those who prefer leisurely walks through picturesque landscapes.

Concept and symbolism of the building

The shape of the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel reflects key concepts of Chinese culture and the country's economic development:

• Side view resembles a scallop (a mollusk shell), which in Chinese tradition is associated with luck and "Fortune."
• Front view has a circular outline, symbolizing the rising sun and "China's rapidly developing economy."
• Shape of the main entrance resembles a fish's mouth and symbolizes "Prosperity."

Thus, the architecture combines several layers of meaning—from natural imagery to allegories of continuous development and well-being.

Architectural features and environmental solutions

Facade and glass panels

The hotel has a glass facade consisting of approximately 10,000 panels, each reflecting the surrounding nature in its own way. When viewed from ground level, the glass reflects the lake waters, and as the gaze rises, it captures the mirrored image of the mountains and then the sky. This solution emphasizes the idea of harmonious fusion between architecture and nature.

To improve energy efficiency, four-layer glass panels are used, which help:

• Reduce heat loss during the cold season.
• Maintain coolness in summer.
• Lower overall costs for air conditioning and heating.

Additionally, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel became the first hotel in China to implement a gas-powered electricity generation system for heating and cooling the entire building. This ensures a stable indoor climate even with significant fluctuations in outdoor temperatures.

Use of solar energy

To generate clean energy, the hotel uses several solutions:

• Solar photovoltaic panels installed on the roof, facade, and other open parts of the building.
• Separate solar batteries located near Yanqi Lake, providing additional power for LED lighting systems.

This combination of traditional and alternative energy sources enhances the building's environmental sustainability and reduces its overall carbon footprint.

Aerodynamics and ventilation

The hotel's circular shape does not obstruct natural wind flows, promoting natural ventilation. The building is equipped with:

• Indoor air quality control system with sensors monitoring pollutant levels.
• Centralized air conditioning system that allows quick adjustment of temperature and humidity.
• Carbon monoxide concentration control system in the underground garage, automatically turning ventilation fans on and off.

All these measures not only improve the indoor climate but also enhance guest comfort.

Interior and design solutions

"Frame" concept and art objects

The interior spaces of Sunrise Kempinski Hotel are designed with a unified design concept, which can be called the "frame concept" or "framing." In the central lobby area, attention is drawn to a large art object: hundreds of round glass spectrums suspended on thin stainless steel cables. These elements evoke the merging of sky and water, as well as the mountain lines around Yanqi Lake.

The art object near the staircase represents an abstract reflection of the mountain landscape, serving as a stylish transition from the exterior to the interior. Each glass panel has a unique design and refracts light at different angles, creating a play of highlights and shades.

Atrium and sculptural lighting

The four-story atrium space is connected by a staircase and adorned with a 3-dimensional geometric wall featuring numerous frames of varying sizes. Lighting is integrated into the wall's frame, and the center of the ceiling is crowned by a large-scale sculptural lighting installation inspired by the works of renowned American artist Ruth Asawa. These light installations create a sense of airiness and visually expand the space.

Rooms and suites

• The area of standard rooms starts from 40 m², while the most spacious suites can reach 338 m².
• The floors in the rooms are made of honey-golden wood, and the furniture is crafted from dark and golden-brown zebrano (Zebrano). Metal and mirror elements add a modern shine.
• The frame around the bed creates a sense of partial zoning while continuing the framing theme.
• The divided bathroom with a bathtub and shower is separated by smoky glass, ensuring privacy and complementing the overall design style.

The presidential suite's interior is enhanced with French walnut parquet, slanted mirror friezes, and a ceiling with exquisite lighting. The walls are adorned with paintings stylized after the abstract works of Jackson Pollock.

Event and conference spaces

The hotel is actively focused on hosting conferences, exhibitions, and business events:

• 2nd floor provides access to a large ballroom and conference rooms of various sizes, allowing for events of any scale.
• Pre-function space of the ballroom features a two-story wall composed of alternating metal and wooden strips, creating a dynamic ripple effect.
• Foyer has monolithic rectangular columns and elegant ceiling niches from which large decorative lanterns in golden 3-dimensional irregular geometric frames hang.
• Conference rooms are distinguished by velvet wall upholstery and a grid of square light niches on the ceiling, each housing an exquisite purple chandelier.

Safety and reliability

Seismic activity in some regions of China requires a special approach to construction. The Sunrise Kempinski Hotel building can withstand earthquakes of up to 8 magnitude, which speaks to the high level of engineering solutions and the quality of construction materials.

Recommendations for tourists

1. Best time to visit — spring and autumn (April-May and September-October), when the weather is most comfortable for visiting the Great Wall of China and hiking in the mountains.
2. Transfer from Beijing: the hotel is located approximately 60 km from the city center, so it is worth planning your route in advance and using a transfer or booking a taxi.
3. Popular route for tourists — combining an excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with a visit to Yanqi Lake and lunch or dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants.

Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing is more than just a five-star hotel. It is a place where innovation meets tradition, and luxury combines with environmental care. The circular shape, symbolizing the rising sun and prosperity, reflects modern China's aspiration for new heights. Its convenient location allows guests to enjoy the beauty of nature and explore world-famous attractions in the Beijing area.

For those who appreciate unique architecture, high-quality service, and unity with nature, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel is the ideal place for relaxation, business trips, and organizing large-scale events. Its symbolic shape and advanced environmental solutions have already won the recognition of many travelers and experts in the hospitality industry, while its deep cultural concept and attention to detail continue to amaze guests from around the world.