The Beijing Waldorf Astoria, designed by architecture firm Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, is conveniently located next to Wang Fu Jing (a high-end shopping district) and is only two blocks away from the Forbidden City. The bronze linings throughout the interior and exterior of the buildings are meant to be a testament to traditional Chinese architecture. The vertical frame and roof were also meant to be similar to the traditional Chinese roof-soffit silhouette. The windows are floor-to-ceiling, which allows guests to enjoy an abundance of natural light.

I personally thing that the bronze on the building is striking and beautiful, but the cube shape isn’t my favorite. I can see where the firm tried to keep the building consistent with tradition Chinese architecture, but also give the building a feel of the modern times. It is a Waldorf Astoria, which screams luxury. The bronze does not detract from that image.