Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel to open in Beijing

The Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing is designed in the shape of the rising sun, symbolic of the fast developing Chinese economy. Photo: Courtesy of Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing

Beijing's first large-scale five-star luxury resort will be unveiled this month when the Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing opens its doors. Located in a natural setting along the shoreline of the scenic Yanqi Lake, Kempinski's largest hotel in China will boast nearly 600 rooms, 14 restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and its very own lake shore bathing area.

Appointed General Manager Brice Péan sat down with Metropolitan (MB) to discuss the new resort that combines the best of Chinese culture with luxury European flair.

MB: The architecture of Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel is certainly unique and has become a landmark of the region. What was the idea behind the design?

Péan: Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel, Beijing's most iconic building, is designed by Chief Designer Zhang Haiao and his team from Shanghai Huadu Architect Design Company.

The idea was to provide people from outside of China with a distinct opinion of modern contemporary Chinese architecture. The design also enables us to broaden our ideas on how we can showcase the Chinese culture to the world.

The design of the hotel is that of the rising sun, symbolic of the fast-developing economy of China. The entrance of the hotel is shaped like the mouth of a fish, symbolizing prosperity. And then when you look at the building from a side view, the hotel is shaped like a scallop, which represents "fortune" in Chinese culture. Other Chinese cultural elements are also used in the design details; for example, the side of the building embraces the concept of traditional Chinese panes.

MB: How would you best sum up the theme of the hotel?

Péan: In summary, it has the glamor of European luxury combined with uniqueness of Chinese culture. Our interior was designed by world-renowned designer company DiLeonardo, who created elements of intrigue within the overall interior design by experimenting with the blending of solids and voids. In empty spaces, geometric forms and design features were merged into the interior to fill the voids, which makes the overall ambience and visual aspects of the hotel truly distinct.

MB: Your hotel is an important mark on the outskirts of Huairou district. How will it boost the regional development?

Péan: In regards the prospect of local employment, we have employed over 700 employees; 75 percent of which are from the surrounding areas. With the indoor and outdoor facilities that we offer, a culinary hub of 14 restaurants and bars and a large kids' club, we expect to play a big part in boosting the inbound tourism of the region.

Beijing does not currently have a large-scale five-star resort like this, so we hope to be well received by local Beijingers.

MB: And finally, what is the management philosophy that you will bring to Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel?

Péan: My management philosophy is that all staff should have passion in everything they do, irrelevant of the position they hold in the company. The hotel business is not a job, it is a lifestyle. You need to be flexible and enjoy working with people.

When working in luxury hotels you need to have an eye for detail and be aware of certain etiquette. These are the main qualities we are looking for when recruiting our staff.