Architect Paul Tange, son of the renowned Kenzo Tange, lives up to the family name with this modernist take on traditional Chinese gates, 25 stories tall and clad in rose-gold glass. Inside, 222 generous guest rooms—all at least 40 square meters, and with panoramic urban vistas—rich embellishments like Chinese silks, original brushstroke paintings, and hand-carved lacquerware create a plush imperial ambience, balanced by mod cons like a Bose Wave sound system. Winter visitors will surely appreciate the bathroom’s
heated marble floors and toilet seat. The crispy Peking duck cooked at Lunar 8 rightly draws raves, and homesick travelers flock to The Cut for succulent steaks; equally authentic are the addictive rolls and fresh sashimi at the sleek Sushi Bar

8 Yong An Dong Li, Jianguomenwai Ave., Chaoyang District; 86-10/8511-7777; fairmont.com; doubles from US$397

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