Opened its doors in September 2016, CHAO Hotel & Clubhouse in the neighbourhood of Sanlitun, the first property launched by the Beijing-based hospitality group CHAO, has quickly established itself as the place to be for the most discerning and forward-thinking clientele – aspirational globetrotters and China’s own creative community. Germany’s gmp Architekten has given a minimalist facelift to the 28-storey communist-style building using glass and concrete, with statement features like the 10m-tall outer colonnade leading towards the hotel's main entrance. Local design firm Citidec China took advantage of the triangle-cylinder shape of the building to create open-plan yet homey spaces for different experiences: two restaurants and a 15,000 m2 members’ clubhouse occupied the lower floors, along with a 3,000 m2 art exhibition and cultural spaces, an amphitheatre and a cinema in its basement. The 180 generously spaced studio-style guestrooms and 40 apartments are designed in a multi-level, diversified space strategy, and are furnished with bespoke furniture in walnut and leather in a muted colour palette, designed and locally produced jointly with Shanghai-based maker Stellar Works. A year-round programme of events makes CHAO Hotel & Clubhouse more than just a place for sleeping: it is a refreshing way to immerse oneself in Chinese culture, and a true destination in the capital city of China to meet, connect, discover and share experiences.