Commune By The Great Wall

Visiting Information

Overview

Commune By The Great Wall is a luxury hotel and architectural wonder located near the Shuiguan section of the Great Wall of China. It features a collection of 42 villas designed by 12 Asian architects, offering a unique blend of modern design and traditional Chinese elements. The resort provides stunning views of the Great Wall and surrounding landscapes, making it a popular destination for architecture enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and those seeking a tranquil retreat close to one of China’s most iconic landmarks.

Historical Background

Commune By The Great Wall was conceived in 2001 as part of a project to showcase contemporary Asian architecture. The resort opened in 2002, featuring innovative designs from architects across Asia. It gained international recognition when it was awarded a special prize at the 2002 Venice Biennale of Architecture. Since its inception, the Commune has become a symbol of modern Chinese luxury and architectural innovation, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most ancient monuments.

Architectural Features

• Diverse Villa Designs: Each of the 42 villas in the Commune showcases a unique architectural style, ranging from minimalist modern to more traditional Chinese-inspired designs. This diversity offers guests a variety of aesthetic experiences within a single resort.
• Bamboo Wall House: Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, this villa features extensive use of bamboo, creating a harmonious blend with the natural surroundings and offering a serene, zen-like atmosphere.
• Shared House: Created by Taiwanese architect Shigeru Ban, this villa is known for its innovative use of space and materials, including cardboard tubes as structural elements, showcasing sustainable architecture principles.
• Suitcase House: Designed by Hong Kong architect Gary Chang, this villa is characterized by its flexibility, with movable walls and floors that can transform the space to suit different needs.
• Airport: Despite its name, this is not an actual airport but a villa designed by Chinese architect Sui Jianguo. It features a unique, futuristic design that contrasts with the ancient Great Wall, symbolizing the meeting of old and new China.

Cultural Importance

Commune By The Great Wall represents a significant milestone in contemporary Chinese architecture and luxury hospitality. It showcases how modern design can coexist with historical landmarks, bridging the gap between China’s rich cultural heritage and its rapid modernization. The resort has become a symbol of China’s growing influence in the fields of design and high-end tourism, attracting visitors who are interested in experiencing cutting-edge architecture in a historically significant setting.

Surrounding Attractions

• The Great Wall (Shuiguan Section): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is easily accessible from the Commune, offering visitors a chance to explore one of the world’s most famous landmarks without the crowds typically found at more popular sections.
• Badaling National Forest Park: Located nearby, this park offers beautiful natural scenery, hiking trails, and a chance to experience the local flora and fauna of the Beijing region.
• Yanqing Guishui River: This scenic river provides opportunities for water-based activities and picturesque views, especially beautiful during the autumn season when the surrounding trees change color.
• Longqing Gorge: Often called the “Little Three Gorges,” this scenic area features a beautiful river canyon, boat rides, and a large dam. It’s particularly popular during the annual ice festival in winter.

Photography Opportunities

• Architectural Details: The unique designs of each villa offer countless opportunities for architectural photography, capturing the interplay of modern design elements with traditional Chinese influences.
• Great Wall Views: The resort’s location provides stunning vistas of the Great Wall, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, offering photographers the chance to capture this ancient wonder in various lights.
• Landscape Photography: The surrounding mountains and forests create a picturesque backdrop for landscape photos, with changing scenery throughout the seasons.
• Interior Design: Each villa’s distinct interior design provides unique settings for indoor photography, showcasing different styles of contemporary Asian design.
• Night Photography: The resort’s lighting and the silhouette of the Great Wall against the night sky offer opportunities for dramatic nighttime shots.

Modern Importance

• Architectural Innovation: Commune By The Great Wall continues to serve as a living museum of contemporary Asian architecture, inspiring new generations of architects and designers.
• Luxury Tourism: The resort plays a significant role in China’s high-end tourism industry, attracting affluent travelers from around the world and contributing to the country’s reputation as a luxury travel destination.
• Cultural Exchange: By bringing together designs from various Asian architects, the Commune fosters cultural exchange and dialogue within the Asian design community.
• Sustainable Tourism: The resort’s integration with its natural surroundings and its proximity to the Great Wall promote a model of tourism that balances luxury with environmental consciousness.
• Economic Impact: As a major attraction in the Yanqing district, the Commune contributes significantly to the local economy, providing employment and attracting visitors to the area.

FAQ

• What is Commune By The Great Wall famous for?
  Commune By The Great Wall is famous for its unique collection of 42 villas designed by 12 renowned Asian architects, offering luxury accommodation with stunning views of the Great Wall of China.
• What’s inside Commune By The Great Wall?
  Inside Commune By The Great Wall, you’ll find 42 architecturally distinct villas, each with its own unique design, as well as amenities such as restaurants, a spa, meeting facilities, and direct access to a private path to the Great Wall.
• Is Commune By The Great Wall free?
  No, Commune By The Great Wall is not free. It’s a luxury hotel and resort, and guests need to book and pay for their stay.
• Is Commune By The Great Wall worth visiting?
  Yes, Commune By The Great Wall is worth visiting, especially for those interested in contemporary architecture, luxury travel, or seeking a unique Great Wall experience. However, it’s primarily a hotel, so visiting usually means staying there.
• What to do in Commune By The Great Wall?
  At Commune By The Great Wall, you can explore the unique architecture of the villas, enjoy the resort’s amenities, hike to the Great Wall, relax in the natural surroundings, and indulge in fine dining experiences.
• How do I get to Commune By The Great Wall in the local city?
  From Beijing, you can reach Commune By The Great Wall by taking bus 919 from Deshengmen to Shuiguan Great Wall Station, or by taxi which takes about 1.5 hours from the city center.
• How to visit Commune By The Great Wall?
  To visit Commune By The Great Wall, you typically need to book a stay at the resort. Make a reservation in advance, especially during peak seasons. Once there, you can enjoy the facilities and explore the architectural features of the different villas.