Red Capital Ranch

Hotel description

Just as the Red Capital Residence fondly recalls a bygone era of revolutionary Communist kitsch, the Red Capital Ranch, in the countryside outside of Beijing, is an homage to an earlier time. In this case a fantasy that predates the Revolution — this place, currently billing itself as China’s first eco-lodge, is an old Manchurian hunting estate, practically in the shadow of the Great Wall.

The ten suites (each really a villa unto itself) make only the slightest concessions to modernity — the lanterns and stone walls are a throwback to feudal times, and each one has its own stone “animal spirit,” dating back to the Qing dynasty. There’s an ancient piece of the Great Wall on display in what was once the stable, and the Warlord’s Lounge (what a phrase!) is dedicated to Wu Peifu, one of the last of the rampaging warlords.

Meanwhile there’s a spa with a Tibetan theme, offering treatments to soothe tense modern muscles, and the old hunting lodge is now the Red Capital Ranch restaurant. Tours of the Wall, naturally, can be easily arranged, as the Ranch is placed at one of the official entry points, and the Manchurian countryside is begging to be explored as well.

How to get there:

Red Capital Ranch is approximately a 1 1/2 hour drive from Beijing city. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange airport transfers.