Hong Kong, 14 October 2024 – Over 130 distinguished guests, VIP’s and dignitaries attended a gala party on 12 October to celebrate the official opening of Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing. Attendees were captivated by an exclusive performance delivered by Beijing-born piano virtuoso, Yuja Wang, who is the latest in a line of global celebrities to join the Group’s award-winning celebrity Fan Campaign.
Additional celebrity fans of Mandarin Oriental joined the glamorous event, including Chen Kun, Karen Mok and Vivienne Tam. The celebrated, influential Chinese artist, Xu Bing, creator of the hotel’s signature fan, was also in attendance.
Yuja Wang’s intimate concert was delivered in the unique setting of Mandarin Oriental’s newest hotel, encompassed in a traditional hutong in Beijing’s cultural centre. Following the pianist’s performance, guests were entertained throughout the hotel’s expansive and exquisitely designed courtyard houses and elegant communal areas, with exceptionally innovative dining offerings and refined wines and cocktails. Michelin-starred consultant and culinary legend, Chef Fei, partnered with hotel executive Chef Ping, to deliver delicious, elegant canapés celebrating local Beijing flavours, culinary techniques and carefully curated seasonal ingredients. The finest champagnes and wines flowed, while contemporary cocktails from the hotel’s celebrated TIAO Bar were crafted by the hotel’s exceptional bartenders from special mobile bars.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, led a champagne toast to launch the evening. Kleitman commented: “Today’s gala event marks a significant milestone in Beijing’s contemporary cultural and artistic trajectory. We are honoured and thrilled to officially open the doors of this unique and exquisite property which reflects Mandarin Oriental’s desire to be masters of craft and shapers of culture in every destination in which we operate. This project is a wonderful opportunity for Mandarin Oriental to serve as a key cultural exchange in the capital."
He continued, “We are delighted that Yuja Wang has performed for us this evening, and I am honoured and proud that Yuja is a genuine fan of Mandarin Oriental, officially becoming a much-admired member of our celebrated I’m a Fan campaign. For over 20 years, we have been supported by more than fifty celebrities who call themselves fans and regularly stay with us. We thank them by making donations to the charities of their choice, to which the Group has donated more than US$1 million since the campaign began. In the case of Yuja, we are delighted to contribute to her chosen charity, The Curtis Institute of Music, which provides financial and educational support to budding young musicians."
Tonight’s opening marks Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s 10th hotel in Greater China and its 41st property overall, underlining the Group’s commitment to its ongoing, carefully-considered expansion, both within Greater China and internationally.
