Yanbai Villa, Beijing: A Tale of Two Spirits
Beijing is a city of contrasts, a kaleidoscope of tradition and innovation, where every turn reveals a new facet. Amid the bustle of its vibrant streets and iconic landmarks, there exists another side—a retreat that whispers serenity. Just an hour from the city center lies Yanqi Lake, a jewel of tranquility that feels like stepping into another world. Here, the same city breathes with a different rhythm, where the frenetic pulse of Beijing gives way to a calm that restores the soul. This juxtaposition—Beijing’s spirited heart and Yanqi’s tranquil soul—defines the experience of staying at Yanbai Villa, a place where art, nature, and design merge seamlessly.
Art as the Soul of Hospitality
At Yanbai Villa, art is not merely decoration—it is the essence of the space. As part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), this retreat exemplifies the perfect marriage of artistic expression and luxurious living. The hotel, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu, weaves the past and present into an architectural masterpiece.
Inspired by Song Dynasty paintings such as A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains, the design celebrates harmony with nature, crafting a space that feels timeless yet strikingly modern. Every corner, from the grand reception hall to the serene private dining rooms, reflects a seamless dialogue between art, architecture, and the surrounding environment. Yanbai Villa doesn’t just offer a place to stay—it offers a journey through culture, creativity, and tranquility.
Walking through the property feels like exploring an open-air gallery. Every corner reveals curated pieces: translucent sculptures that echo misty mountain scenes, oversized paperweights shaped like ancient scrolls, and mosaic walls in vivid greens and blues reminiscent of Wang Ximeng’s iconic A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains. The interplay between light and shadow, texture and color, turns the act of moving through the hotel into a meditative experience.
Even the interiors evoke artistry. The soaring wooden ceilings, constructed with interlocking timber ribs, mirror the elegant complexity of Forbidden City palaces, while custom furnishings incorporate bamboo patterns and soft hues. This thoughtful attention to detail creates a visual dialogue between tradition and modernity, history and imagination.
Elegance in Every Detail: Rooms Designed to Inspire
At Yanbai Villa, the accommodations are more than just rooms—they are sanctuaries of peace and beauty, each thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Every space invites guests to connect with nature while indulging in understated luxury. Whether you wake to a sunrise over the lake or unwind to the sound of rustling leaves, the rooms provide a tranquil escape, each with its own unique perspective of Yanqi Lake’s enchanting surroundings.
Siyan Mountain View rooms offer sweeping vistas of the verdant hills that cradle the resort. These spaces celebrate simplicity with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the rugged beauty of the mountains, a perfect choice for those who seek serenity and inspiration in nature’s grandeur.
For a touch of garden serenity, the Guiyan Garden View rooms are nestled closer to the hotel’s meticulously designed landscapes. The gentle interplay of light and shadow, along with a private proximity to the gardens, makes this an intimate retreat for reflection and relaxation.
The Qiyan Lake View rooms immerse you in the splendor of Yanqi Lake, offering panoramic views of its shimmering waters. With interiors designed to bring the outdoors in, these rooms create a seamless connection to the tranquil surroundings.
Elevating the experience further, the Mingyan Super Lake View King Room is the epitome of modern luxury. Spacious and stylish, these rooms boast unrivaled lake views that transform with the day’s light, from the soft blush of dawn to the golden hues of sunset.
For those seeking a touch of grandeur, the Mingyan Suite is an oasis of sophistication. With separate living and sleeping areas, this suite provides an elevated sense of comfort, perfect for longer stays or special occasions. The thoughtfully designed interiors and expansive views offer the ultimate escape.
For families, the Baiyan Family Suite blends thoughtful functionality with luxurious details. Spacious and welcoming, the suite ensures comfort for all ages while providing the same exquisite views and elegant design found throughout the property.
Each room at Yanbai Villa is a tribute to the art of living well, where every detail—from the natural materials to the curated furnishings—is designed to immerse guests in the beauty of Yanqi Lake’s ever-changing landscape.
Nature’s Embrace
Situated on the mirror-like shores of Yanqi Lake, Yanbai Villa offers more than just breathtaking views—it immerses guests in a living landscape. The 27,000 square meters of gardens are a highlight, with zig-zagging trails, observation decks, and peaceful nooks where nature unfolds in all its seasonal splendor. Bridges arch gracefully over streams, and the wooded slopes of Yanqi Island offer a painterly backdrop that changes with the light and weather.
The rooms themselves blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame scenes of rippling water and rustling trees, drawing the natural world inside. Neutral tones, brushed timber, and smooth granite surfaces create a soothing palette, while luxurious touches—like deep soaking tubs and custom-designed lounging furniture—invite you to linger. Whether gazing at a winter frost or summer blooms, every view feels like a chapter in a story written by nature.
Culinary Journeys with a View: A Symphony of Taste and Elegance
Dining at Yanbai Villa is not merely a meal—it is a curated experience that mirrors the hotel’s artistry and harmony with nature. The restaurants at this lakeside retreat are designed to delight the senses, offering dishes that are as thoughtfully crafted as the stunning views they accompany. Whether savoring Western classics or diving into the rich tapestry of Chinese flavors, every meal becomes a moment to treasure.
Western Restaurant: Simplicity Meets Grandeur
The Western restaurant champions simplicity, letting the dramatic beauty of Yanqi Lake take center stage. Its muted palette, natural materials, and understated elegance create a tranquil dining atmosphere. Here, guests can indulge in a refined menu that elevates classic dishes with modern techniques, offering an international culinary journey while keeping the focus on the serene vistas just beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.
A Taste of China: Private Dining Redefined
For those seeking an authentic local experience, the Chinese restaurant is a revelation. Specializing in Chaoshan cuisine, it offers a modern interpretation of traditional flavors, blending time-honored techniques with creative presentation. But it is not just the menu that sets this dining experience apart—it is the exclusivity.
The Chinese restaurant features luxurious private dining rooms, each designed as an intimate enclave of elegance. These secluded spaces ensure guests enjoy the pinnacle of privacy and bespoke service, with each detail—down to the arrangement of the tableware and the pacing of courses—meticulously attended to. With panoramic views of Yanqi Lake or the gardens as a backdrop, the experience becomes an elevated blend of culinary artistry and impeccable hospitality. Whether it’s a family celebration, a business gathering, or a romantic evening, the service is nothing short of flawless, delivering an atmosphere of quiet luxury that lingers long after the last course.
Bars and All-Day Dining: Moments to Savor
The Whiskey Bar and Lobby Bar offer cozy retreats to toast a day spent exploring or unwinding. With warm lighting, starburst marquetry, and plush seating, these spaces exude a quiet sophistication that makes every sip feel like a celebration.
For a more informal yet equally refined experience, the all-day dining area is a vibrant space that balances versatility with elegance. Open kitchens and buffet stations invite guests to engage with the culinary process, while timber lattices and curated objects create a sense of intimacy. Each element, from the earthy tones to the artful partitions, transforms this venue into a welcoming hub for meals that feel both personal and memorable.
Dining at Yanbai Villa: A Feast for All Senses
At Yanbai Villa, every dining experience is a celebration of flavor, artistry, and place. The fusion of luxurious settings, impeccable service, and diverse culinary offerings ensures that each meal, whether in a private Chinese dining room or at the relaxed Whiskey Bar, becomes an unforgettable part of the journey. Here, food is more than sustenance—it is an immersion into the spirit of Yanqi Lake, served with grace and intention.
A Symphony of Past and Present
Yanbai Villa’s design philosophy is a dialogue between eras. Wang Shu’s architecture respects the ancient while celebrating the contemporary, incorporating recycled stones and tiles from the local site into intricate tapestries of blue and green. Interiors by Wimberly Studios elevate this concept, layering textures and forms to create spaces that surprise and delight. From the bold centerpiece artwork at reception to the gentle glow of bespoke furnishings, every detail is imbued with a sense of place and purpose.
Beyond the Ordinary
More than a retreat, Yanbai Villa is a living expression of Beijing’s dual spirit. It is a sanctuary for those who seek not just luxury, but a profound sense of balance—a place where the pace of life slows and the beauty of art and nature converge. In the contrast between the vibrant city and the serene lake, the hotel offers a rare opportunity to experience both the dynamism and depth of Beijing, all within a single, unforgettable journey.
- Our stay was hosted by Yanbai Villa -
Pics by Sigurd Magnor Killerud