Iconic hotel in Beijing, now closed, awaits its future

The iconic Great Wall Hotel Beijing, the city's first international five-star hotel, has been closed for half a year, with no clear indication of when it will reopen, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

During a recent visit, reporters from local media discovered that the hotel had ceased operations at the end of last year and currently has no business activity. Facilities appeared to be in a state of disuse.

The hotel pioneered the international brand concept, initially operating under the Sheraton brand and becoming the city's first four-star hotel in 1991. It was subsequently upgraded to five-star status.

As it is now closed, the hotel does not allow outsiders to enter, but a number of staff members continue to maintain and preserve its equipment. Asked about the reason for the closure and a possible reopening date, a staff member said they are awaiting further instructions.

One of the country's first five-star hotels, the Great Wall Hotel Beijing had the highest revolving restaurant in the city at the time. The 24-story building was once legendary, hosting numerous foreign dignitaries and renowned for its Chinese courtyard-style Western restaurant serving Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine.

The hotel underwent two major renovations, one in 2001 and the other in 2017. Currently, it is listed as temporarily closed or unavailable for booking on various online travel platforms.

It is located adjacent to the city's Central Business District and embassy area. It was the first building in China to feature a glass curtain wall. Trial operations commenced in December 1983, and the hotel officially opened to the public in 1985.