“Commune by the Great Wall”

For a good look at the hotel: http://www.commune.com.cn/

The original concept: get 12 architects to provide 12 original designs and build 12 unique villas spread around the hilly, rugged woods along the Great Wall! Then replicate several times these villas to constitute an ensemble of some 50 such habitations, add a central facility housing common services (registration, restaurants, meeting rooms, etc.) and you have “Commune by the Great Wall”, a fascinating secluded hotel, ideal to hold a conference such as the one I came for (gathering some 100 to 150 people). No chance that people will escape from attending sessions – the place is one hour and a half driving to Beijing!

Stayed in the Courtyard villa (10 rooms; was in 305).

Great place to run…and to see the Great Wall, either going from here to one of the 2 nearby sections that are open and equipped for tourists (coming by bus), or right on the premises, by walking up a natural path to an unrestored section of the Wall – great view of the Wall running on top of surroundings hills, and of the hotel complex, with its scattered villas…

This hotel would be a good base, if we ever return to Beijing to visit the Great Wall and the nearby Ming Tombs - would have to ask to stay in one of the original houses...

Sept 17, 2011