After hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference China 2014—its soft opening of sorts—and the attending world leaders as its first guests, the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing and Yanqi Island will open November 17 to much anticipation. It marks European luxury hotel group Kempinski’s largest Chinese property, which comes as no surprise given its sprawling 14-square-kilometer grounds set on the peaceful Yanqi Lake. Comprising the property is the main Sunrise Kempinski Hotel with 306 guest rooms, the smaller Yanqi Hotel with 111, and 12 boutique hotels dotting Yanqi Island with 178 rooms spread between them.

The architecture of the main hotel may look surprisingly modern in the natural landscape, but its design is rooted in tradition. Shaped round like the rising sun, the hotel represents harmony when seen from the front; from a side-angle view, it looks like a scallop, symbolizing fortune; and its entrance is modeled after the mouth of a fish, an emblem of prosperity. Interiors by design firm DiLeonardo are elegant yet neutrally toned, meant to keep the attention on the scenic outside views of mountains, lake, and sky, whose reflections are seen in the glass exterior. The hotel also boasts impressive green practices, using electricity derived from hydroelectric power, LED lighting, eco-friendly products throughout, and natural gas for heating and cooling. And completing this new destination is a marina, spa, kids’ club, extensive gardens, and 14 dining options including a Paulaner Brauhaus.

For more information, visit Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing