What’s the deal?
Entering the lobby of Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing, the first thing you’re struck by is the enormous custom Formica lamp overhead. Conceived by American architect Frank Gehry, it features three flame-coloured koi fish gracefully swimming in a circle – a display of artistry, elegance and grandeur that hints at what else to expect from this majestic residence.
The hotel opened in 2019, occupying the uppermost two floors of an upscale shopping mall just off Beijing’s bustling Wangfujing Street. A 10-minute stroll from the Forbidden City’s Donghua Gate, it’s a prestigious address that offers the best of both worlds: gleaming department stores and charming hidden alleyways, with landmarks such as Tiananmen Square and the National Museum of China within easy reach.
Credit: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
Credit: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
Art is central to the property’s design. Proudly displayed in the lobby – in addition to the magnificent koi – is the iconic Mandarin Oriental folding fan, reimagined with dried grass and leaves by visual artist Tim Yip. Other items that draw inspiration from traditional Chinese craftsmanship, such as porcelain and carved wooden ornaments, adorn the hotel’s corridors and dining outlets. Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing also boasts a considerable art collection; works are showcased throughout communal spaces, allowing guests to immerse themselves in cultural riches without leaving the premises.
Credit: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
Credit: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
Credit: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
Why stay?
The hotel is every inch the embodiment of taste and refinement. Guest rooms are a blend of celadon hues and dark wood accents. Though ostensibly modern, they contain nods to classic Chinese aesthetics, from the four-poster bed and octagonal table to scrolling cloud-patterned reliefs. Greens and blues ripple over the carpet, while high ceilings and wall-to-wall windows create a sense of space. Some suites even boast views of the majestic Forbidden City.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing is a must-visit. It features four themed treatment rooms complete with state-of-the-art equipment for delivering heat and wave therapy, as well as essential oil massages and singing bowls for total rejuvenation. Round off the indulgent experience with light post-treatment refreshments.
For something more substantial, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing has several exceptional dining venues. Café Zi offers a taste of home through Cantonese dishes and regional specialities prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients, with a dim sum menu available at lunchtime. Meanwhile, the Mandarin Grill is a modern take on the traditional New York steakhouse, fitted with wooden parquet flooring and red leather upholstery. Executive chef Christophe Riou draws inspiration from his native France to create an exciting fusion menu; try the signature tomahawk steak, French oysters and prawn cocktail, paired with a glass of fine wine.
Cathay editors say…
“Beijing’s urban landscape is a fantastic mix of modern dynamism and timeless grandeur; this property puts you at the heart of it all. We especially loved elegant executive lounge The Library – a quiet corner for catching up with friends or tending to business. Come dusk, the rooftop MO Bar is the place to be with a drink as you admire the sun setting over the glazed roof tiles of the Forbidden City. It feels as though you've travelled through time, with centuries of Beijing's glorious history unfolding before your eyes.”