The Opposite House
Beijing, Beijing & Around, China
At a Glance
Ultra modern boutique design hotel
Located in San Li Tun, a vibrant area with lots of great bars all around
Amazing indoor swimming pool in the basement with a cool design
Impressive service and contemporary and fashionable design
Studio 95's come complete with a terrace and day bed which is unique in the city
-
J
-
F
-
M
-
A
-
M
-
J
-
J
-
A
-
S
-
O
-
N
-
D
Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
With scorching summers, cold winters, temperate springs and pleasant autumns, Beijing and its surrounding area experiences four distinct seasons. During the summer months, the mercury can reach over 40°C, bringing monsoon rains and extreme humidity, despite being the peak season for travel. From November through to March, northern winds whip through the city, seeing temperatures tumble to as low as -20°C in January, the coldest month. Springtime is windy yet pleasant, although sandstorms from Mongolia sweep through at this time of year making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. The Autumn months are the perfect time to travel, with fewer tourists and the most clement weather for exploring the city.
Insider's View
Punk Bar in the basement is one of the coolest Beijing hangouts attracting DJs from all over the world.
Get up early and head to the stainless steel swimming pool in the basement for an early morning swim - a great way to start the day.
Make time for dinner in the Chinese restaurant, Jing Yaa Tang, fantastic value but make sure that you book well in advance as it is one of Beijing's most popular hangouts, especially if you want to have their incredible Peking Duck
To start planning your holiday to The Opposite House
Description
The Opposite House is a chic and trendy property located in the cosmopolitan, creative and vibrant heart of Beijing’s Santilun Village. With a contemporary style it is a refreshing option in the city's many luxury hotels.
Taking its name from both an old Chinese guesthouse across the courtyard and from the architectural contrast of old and new, the Opposite House is one of Beijing’s most stylish addresses. With its striking emerald glass exterior its stunning contemporary design is inspired by traditional Chinese wood lattice and reflects the vibrant street life surrounding the hotel.
The accommodation at The Opposite House comprises 98 contemporary studios and a penthouse boasting a large roof terrace. All rooms feature a striking open plan design, high ceilings and plentiful natural light, evoking the feeling of spacious loft living. With crisp, white Egyptian cotton linen, modern comforts and spa inspired bathrooms with deep soak oak tubs and invigorating rain showers, the Opposite House is the ultimate in contemporary luxury.
The property houses a superbly equipped gym and a large, stainless steel pool showcasing a dramatic interaction of light and metal. A genuine passion for food is also evident here, with a choice between 4 restaurants and bars including the Mediterranean Sureño, Mesh, the Village Cafe serving an all day western menu and Jing Yaa Tang serving fantastic Chinese cuisine.
Accommodation
The hotel's 98 Rooms and one Penthouse all have high ceilings, plenty of natural light and wooden floors and furniture which, contrasted with the white fabrics provide a crisp, clean contemporary space. The studios feature deep soaking oak bathtubs for an in-room spa experience and all have complimentary mini bars and Wi-Fi. As per their names, the Suites range from 45 square metres up to an expansive 115 square metres of the Penthouse. This luxurious room is spread over two floors and has a large roof terrace and a kitchen.
Childcare
Children are welcome at The Opposite House but there are no special facilities except for babysitting which can be arranged on request.
Services
Luxury cars and drivers are available for guests to hire, there are no check in or check out times, cultural tours of Beijing's hutongs take place every Saturday and there is an excellent concierge service to cater for any special requests or needs.
Facilities
The Opposite House has four restaurants all very contemporary in style with cuisine ranging from Mediterranean to Asian and two bars (a lounge bar with chilled tunes and pulsating Punk with live DJ).
The 22 metre stainless steel indoor swimming pool is adjacent to the gym, steam room and rejuvenating spa.
Activities
Enjoy the hotel's ground floor which acts as an art gallery for the well regarded collection of contemporary sculpture which changes on a rolling 3 month basis. The Opposite House is at the centre of Santilun village which has been the heart of Beijing's diplomatic quarter since the 1950's. Enjoy this dynamic community based on traditional Beijing Hutong's and courtyards where fashion mixes freely with dining, arts and entertainment.
Reviews
Dominic Atterton (Staff)
One of my favourite hotels in China the Opposite House lives up to its name offering a way of living and sense of style that cant be found anywhere else in Beijing. Located in a new and fashionable area of the city the hotel is part of a large mall complex that might sound underwhelming but actually means you have a number of recognizable shops and restaurants right on your doorstep. Something that can be quite comforting particularly for people arriving into China for their first time. We went out one evening during our stay and next door to the hotel is the main expat area for the city with some great bars and restaurants all easily explorable on foot and great if travelling with teenagers or if you want to get out and mingle in the evenings with other English speakers. The hotel has a huge open plan lobby area with their main restaurants and bar all coming off this central atrium. The rooms all face out onto the city and have large windows letting in lots of light. The rooms are very modern, very white with lots of pine and feel very spacious and relaxing, ideal after the bustle of the Beijing streets.
Sophie Jones (Staff)
The Opposite House is located in a brilliant location - cool and sophisticated with some very high end bars and restaurants close by but also understated and very much with a local vibe and sense of place. Great all round Beijing experience that you can experience on your own after days of exploring this beautiful and interesting city. On top of this the hotel itself is a rolling art gallery with different exhibits every three months in the enormous foyer.
Victoria Hogg (Staff)
The rooms at The Opposite House have to be seen to be believed and are the ultimate in contemporary cool! Each Studio (as they are called) has been designed with crisp and contemporary lines, white walls and light wood to give a very calming feel. We were in a Studio 70 and I loved the floor to ceiling windows and the huge wooden bath - perfect for a good soak after sightseeing in Beijing. Each Studio also comes with a complimentary mini-bar - a nice touch that you do not get in many hotels!
Experiences
-
798 Art District
Today enjoy a half-day tour of the 798 Art District which was a former military factory and has been turned into a contemporary arts hub for local artists. You will also visit Caochangdi Gallery and Red Gate Gallery.
-
Acrobatic Show in Chaoyang Theatre
Enjoy a stunning acrobatic show that showcases the highly skilled acts from contortionist to balancing routines to high wire stunts.
-
Badaling Great Wall by Helicopter
Tick off the iconic Great Wall in a spectacular fashion for a bird's eye view on one of its most well-preserved sections.
-
Beijing Brewery Discovery Experience
Wind through the alleyways and lanes of Beijing’s Hutongs and discover neighbourhood haunts where you’ll taste the city’s favourite late-night snack and sample local craft beer and spirits, including the potent ‘baijiu’.
-
Beijing City Tour
Today, embark on a full day tour of Beijing city as you explore the highlights including the Yonghe Lama Temple, Guozijiang Street, the Drum Tower and the Temple of Heaven.
-
Beijing Highlights - Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden Palace
This morning, explore the highlights of Beijing. Visit Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden City. Delve into the rich history and witness the past grandeur and glory of the Chinese imperial family.
-
Beijing Religion and Philosophy
Explore Beijing’s rich variety of religions and philosophies as you travel from Confucius Shrines to Tibetan Buddhist temples, Taoist temples to Muslim mosques and uncover the strength of traditional beliefs held by the worshippers.
-
Beijing Sidecar Fun
Take an exciting ride exploring Beijing in a sidecar! Discover the other side of Beijing as the tour brings you to the less known Hutongs, Fan Yuan Si - the oldest Buddhist temple, Confucius Temple or the Drum and Bell Tower.
-
Beijing's Modern Architectures
Today, we discover the modern side of Beijing's ever-evolving cityscape, such as the Bird's Nest, National Aquatics Centre, Olympic Park, Phoenix International Media Centre, CCTV, and the National Grand Theatre.
-
Biking in Beijing
View Beijing in a different light as you embark on biking tour at night. Bike along the moat of the Forbidden City and cycle through Tian An Men Square and the National Theatre. End at the night market where you can sample some local snacks.
-
Boat Ride at Beihai Park
Enjoy one-hour boat ride on the lake of Beihai Park, a beautiful imperial garden with a white pagoda.
-
Chinese Kung Fu Show
Enjoy an exciting Chinese Kungfu Show this evening where a Buddhist monk endures trials and challenges as he grows up to be a successful Kungfu master.
-
Cooking in the Hutongs
Learn how to cook traditional Beijing cuisine during this fun and interactive cookery lesson in Beijing's hutongs (narrow streets, courtyards and alleyways).
-
Cuandixia Village
Today, we make a visit to Cuandixia village approximately 90 kilometre from Beijing.
-
Dumpling-Making Class at The Hutong
Learn how to knead and roll dough, create fillings and utilize natural dyes from fresh vegetables to make colourful dumpling wraps.
-
Forbidden City and Hutong Family Homemade Lunch
Beijing balances its ancient history with its 21st century lifestyles and this experience is a chance to explore both of these with a visit to the ancient Forbidden City and a chance to meet a local family and join them for lunch in their home.
-
Forbidden City Treasure Hunt
Uncover the secrets of Beijing’s Forbidden City as you take a treasure hunt through its palaces, gardens and imperial buildings in this family-friendly experience. Listen out for clues from your guide and search for special symbols in the 9,999 buildings.
-
Gubeikou Hike, Great Wall of China
Delve into the rich history of China as you walk the remote Gubeikou section of the Great Wall. Explore how this crumbling structure played an important part in protecting Beijing from Mongolian nomads and meet local farmers and producers.
-
Gubeikou to Jinshanling Great Wall Full Day Hike
Embark on a full day hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. Visit this untouched and remote ruins as you witness the original glory of the great wall.
-
Hutong Calligraphy Class at Summer Palace
Learn the art of Chinese calligraphy for 2 hours inside the Summer Palace, where the emperors once upon a time studied.
-
Hutong Cultural Immersion
Enjoy a unique Hutong experience on this half day tour as you take a rickshaw to visit the Drum Tower and a local home. Take part in the cultural activities like Chinese paper cutting, kite making and biking through the Hutong.
-
Hutong Evening Foodie Tour By Tuktuk
Get a taste of Beijing as you tour family-run restaurants in a tuktuk. Feast on homemade noodles, meat buns, popular yoghurt, roasted BBQ meats, roll traditional pancakes, down the Baijiu's firewater spirit and conclude at a local craft beer brewery.
-
Hutong Evening Foodie Tour By Tuktuk
Get a taste for the flavours of Beijing as you spend an evening touring neighbourhood family-run restaurants in a tuktuk before ending the night at a local craft beer brewery. Feast on local delicacies as you mingle with the residents of the hutongs.
-
Hutong Walking Tour Series
Uncover a world hidden from view as you walk through the hutongs, or alleyways, that connect Beijing’s neighbourhood houses and hear the eye-opening and intriguing stories of some of their most colourful inhabitants.
-
Introduction to Tai Chi & Qigong
Tai Chi and Qigong are two fascinating physical exercises which Chinese people often like to practice in preparation for the day ahead. During this short class, understand the history and health benefits of this morning ritual and learn some basic moves.
-
Jinshanling Great Wall Exploration
Visit Jinshanling Great Wall where fewer tourists venture. Enjoy the pristine beauty and serenity as you walk along the wall.
-
Jinshanling Hike at The Great Wall
Get away from the crowds as you trek a remote section of the Great Wall of China with a guide, along crumbling ramparts and past watchtowers with exceptional views over the surrounding rugged countryside.
-
Maliandao Tea Market
Taste three main tea types: Green, Oolong and Pu'er and discover the health benefits and processing practices associated with the different tea types. You will also learn about the art of tea-potting and tea-brewing.
-
Morning Jingshan Park Visit
This morning, climb up to the top of Jingshan Park for a great view of the majestic Forbidden City. Interact with the locals going about their daily routines and gain an insight into their lives.
-
Mutianyu Great Wall Exploration
Today, visit the restored section of the Great Wall - Mutianyu. Take a cable car ride up and go for an easy walk before riding down on a toboggan!
-
Peking Opera with Behind the Scenes Visit
We will head to Liyuan Theatre for a classic performance of Peking Opera. Before the show, you have the chance to watch the actors and actresses painting their faces.
-
Picnic with Wine and Cheeses on the Great Wall
Walk along the ancient Jiankou section of the Great Wall of China, offering perhaps the most authentic experience with unrestored towers and crumbling ramparts, towards the renovated section at Mutianyu. Soak in the views with a picnic lunch on the wall.
-
Private Kung Fu Class
This morning, enjoy a 1-hour private practice of Chinese Kung Fu under the guidance of a Kung Fu master.
-
Private Peking Opera Painting Class
Immerse in a one-hour private class on a local tea house and learn how to paint Peking Opera face on a mask.
-
Qianmen Pedestrian Street
Walk along the Qianmen pedestrian street with a history of 600 years old, and if you have children, they will enjoy a ride on a "diang-diang" tram.
-
Shadow Art Class
On this one-hour shadow art class, you will be joined by a teacher who will share insights into the history of Shadow Arts and you can learn how to ink the materials and turn it into a puppet.
-
Special Access to Chonghua Palace
Enjoy an exclusive 30-minute visit to Chonghua Palace, not open to general public.
-
Summer Palace Exploration
Discover the enchanting Summer Palace, one of the most well-preserved of palaces in Beijing. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and take a shared boat ride on Kunming Lake.
-
Tai Chi & Qigong Lesson
Tai Chi and Qigong are two fascinating physical exercises which Chinese people practice in preparation for the day ahead. During this short 1-hour class, understand the history and health benefits of this morning ritual and learn some basic moves.
-
Visit The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
Enjoy a half day tour to The Great Wall of China. This visit will take you to Mutianyu and although further from the city it offers a much more natural Wall experience as it is less visited, enabling one to appreciate the stunning countryside.
-
Visit Tiannamen Square & The Forbidden City
Enjoy a half day tour of Beijing's most well-known landmarks. Start with a trip to Tian'ammen Square before heading onto The Forbidden City, a former imperial palace which was the residence to twenty-four different Chinese Emperors.
-
Visit to The Temple of Heaven & The Summer Palace
Visit The Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace on this full day tour. The Temple of Heaven is one of China's most iconic sacrificial monuments meanwhile The Summer Palace, a World Heritage Site, was built as a luxurious royal garden for royal families.
-
Walking around the Great Wall of China
Works started on the Great Wall of China as early as 200 B.C and it now stretches from Shanhaiguan by the Yellow Sea to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. Sections of wall have been restored and repaired, offering fantastic walking opportunities.
Holiday Ideas
-
Epic China
Beijing, Xian, Shanghai & Hong Kong
from SGD $9100 pp 9 nights
- Striking, stylish and chic retreats where you will be pampered and relaxed throughout
- Jump in a tram and ascend to the highest point in Hong Kong where you’ll be rewarded with spellbinding views overlooking the dazzling city
- Submerge in the lively bars and restaurants, trendy boutiques, colourful markets and a host of stirring activities
-
Honeymoon to China
Shanghai, Beijing, Lijiang, Yangshuo & Hong Kong
from SGD $16000 pp 13 nights
- This beautiful honeymoon provides a great introduction to China, visiting some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country alongside its striking scenery
- A brilliant itinerary for couples that love to be busy and active, visiting somewhere new and exciting each day
- This itinerary provides the perfect combination of culture, adventure and stunning scenery
Location & directions
Beijing, Beijing & Around, China
The Opposite House is located in the cosmopolitan district of Sanlitun, the heart of Beijing's diplomatic community.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
Stay on Singapore site
Go to the USA site