Aman Summer Palace.

Aman Summer Palace isn’t just near the imperial grounds; it is woven into them. Housed in a series of century-old pavilions originally used by guests of Empress Dowager Cixi, the resort feels like a restored private compound rather than a conventional hotel. The 51 rooms and suites are arranged around traditional internal courtyards, featuring Ming-dynasty-inspired furniture, jin clay tiles, and intricate latticework. The most distinct perk is the private gate providing guests exclusive after-hours access to the Summer Palace’s UNESCO-listed gardens. Below the historic surface, a massive subterranean level hides a lap pool, a squash court, and a cinema. It is a quiet, historically immersive retreat that trades modern spectacle for the atmosphere of 18th-century Beijing.