Commune By The Great Wall

The Valley of Shuiguan

The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO world heritage since 1987, continues to fascinate visitors who come here to walk along these stones steeped in history. In 1567, the Chinese Empire, confronted with numerous Mongol incursions on its territory, decided to build a structure that could resist the attacks of these barbarian invaders. Fifteen billion bricks were needed to complete this masterpiece, the biggest ever created by the hands of man. The real length of the wall is constantly being readjusted. The last study, conducted by the State Administration in charge of Cultural Patrimony established the length as 8,851.2 kilometers. Among the most visited sections, is the highly popular Badaling. Richard Nixon and his wife toured its heights during the American president’s historic visit to China in February 1972.

A new Chinese architectural masterpiece

Far from the hustle and bustle of Beijing, on the plains of the Shuiguan Valley, a very unusual hotel complex appears at the foot of the Great Wall of Badaling. It’s difficult to define the essence of these structures whose forms blend in with the contours of the nature around it…a private collection of contemporary works of art, architectural prowess, an artistically extravagant project, or a brand new aesthetic experience? The origin of the Commune by the Great Wall, owned by the Kempinski Hotel group, is the work of one woman, Zhang Xin, the empress of real estate construction in Beijing. This self-educated businesswoman and daughter of Chinese immigrants in Burma continues to create the most imaginary projects. In 2001, Zhang Xin with the help of Chinese architect Ung Ho Chang - the former head of MIT’s architectural department - created a village dedicated to contemporary architecture. Twelve Chinese architects participated in the project whose daring and innovative character earned Zhang Xin the special prize for the promotion of architectural works awarded by the jury of the International Biennale for architecture in Venice. Inspired by the work of the Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, the 42 villas use natural materials according to Kengo Kum’s philosophy. “Skin and exterior surfaces are different. Concrete has a surface; the skin doesn’t. When there is no skin, the soul is absent. Bamboo has a magnificent skin, and it possesses a soul.” The result is a total success. Situated in the shadow of one the Seven Wonders of the World, China now possesses a new architectural masterpiece.

Split House, the work of architect Yung Ho Chang, has been received very warmly by the international media for its poetic use of the landscape combined with modern sophistication.