Aman at Summer Palace Hotel, Beijing
More photosTucked away just steps from the East Gate of Beijing’s historic imperial grounds, the Aman at Summer Palace is a striking masterclass in architectural preservation. Opened in 2008, the luxury resort is housed within a network of carefully restored, century-old pavilions. Rather than building a modern imitation, the architects utilized traditional Qing Dynasty construction techniques and materials to seamlessly weave contemporary luxury into the existing estate structure.
The buildings hold a fascinating royal lineage. This exact compound originally served as the guest quarters for visiting dignitaries and foreign officials who were awaiting a formal imperial audience with the formidable Empress Dowager Cixi. Stepping through the resort today feels remarkably like stepping back into the late 19th century, as the layout remains faithful to classical, interconnected Chinese courtyard designs.
Inside, the historical immersion continues right down to the ground you walk on. The resort features polished clay floor tiles that replicate the legendary “gold bricks” found inside the Forbidden City, which are complemented by exposed high timber beams, delicate lattice screens, and Ming-style armoires. Remarkably, a vast 5,000-square-meter modern wellness sanctuary and lap pool have been constructed completely subterranean, hidden beneath these delicate, 200-year-old structures.
The ultimate privilege of staying here, however, is a literal secret. The property features a private, discreetly locked door that opens directly into the UNESCO World Heritage site. Hotel staff can unlock this gate to grand guests exclusive, out-of-hours access to the palace’s sprawling lakes, romantic pagodas, and the famous Long Corridor, letting you experience the imperial gardens entirely devoid of tourist crowds.
Expert reviews
“Hard to fault this exquisite hotel, a candidate for best in Beijing. It’s located around the corner from the Summer Palace – parts of the hotel date to the 19th century. The big rooms are superbly appointed, and contained in a series of picture-perfect pavilions set around courtyards.”
“If you’re looking for a tranquil setting, visit Aman Summer Palace in the sprawling city of Beijing. Aman features airy luxurious suites surrounding a scenic garden courtyard. Suites have both a bedroom and living area, with plenty of seating to unwind with a good novel or a cocktail.”
“The Aman knows imperial luxury. The resort is a period Qing Dynasty structure of crisscrossing courtyards, halls and suites, unfolding symmetrically like a miniature Forbidden City.”
“The epitome of blissful indulgence, this luxury hotel is spread out across a series of carefully renovated ancient Qing Dynasty courtyards—it even has its own private entrance to the Summer Palace.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Beijing.
What guests liked
- Excellent location
- Historic building
- Great food
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
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