Trump Diplomatic Residence in Beijing: Inside the Four Seasons and Kempinski’s Signature Dining Destinations

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing and Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center:Dining & Venue Views

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing and Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center:Dining & Venue Views

In May 2026, President Donald Trump visited China on a landmark state visit. His official schedule included a formal state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. His designated trump beijing hotel was the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing — situated just 700 meters from the US Embassy at the heart of the Liangmaqiao Embassy District. The choice was far from coincidental. Its 247 rooms and suites are designed specifically for global VIPs, while its contemporary art-filled interiors create an atmosphere of quiet, purposeful luxury — exactly right for a diplomatic stay of this magnitude. The choice immediately made headlines worldwide.

Trump's large entourage, meanwhile, was checked into the neighboring Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, which has its own diplomatic history; the Kempinski opened in 1992 as China’s first, hosting Helmut Kohl, Tony Blair and King Juan Carlos among others. With 480 rooms and six places to eat it was very well equipped to keep his entourage fed. Both trump beijing hotels have long been homes for the most demanding travelers in the world — fortified of course by being fully open to the public. This guide looks beyond the news stories and uncovers exceptional dining that makes both of these hotels destinations: from seven years of Michelin accolades to Beijing’s famous German beer palace. If you’re looking to celebrate, host a business dinner or simply eat where presidents do. Enjoy! 🍽️

Hotel Overview: Positioning, Highlights & Budget

Before exploring the individual restaurants, here's a clear side-by-side comparison. This overview helps you quickly identify which hotel dining experience aligns with your priorities and budget.

CategoryFour Seasons Hotel BeijingKempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center
Dining HighlightSeven consecutive years of Michelin Guide Beijing recognition. Intimate, artistic dining atmosphere.Six international restaurants and bars. A one-stop global culinary journey with cultural depth.
Signature RestaurantsOne Michelin Star Cantonese (Cai Yi Xuan) + Michelin Selected Tuscan Grill (Mio)Beijing's first German brew house (Paulaner Bräuhaus), refined Cantonese (Dragon Palace), iconic bakery (Kempi Deli)
AtmosphereSerene, artistic, and private. Perfect for milestone dinners or high-level business entertaining.Lively, multicultural, and welcoming. Ideal for groups, families, or casual celebrations.
Avg. Budget (per person)¥800–¥1,500+ at Cai Yi Xuan or Mio¥300–¥700 depending on the venue
Best ForMichelin dining, private business dinners, anniversary celebrationsGroup dining, cultural immersion, flexible budgets, family trips
Room Rate (approx.)From ~$210–$268/night (avg. Momondo); "Stay 4 for 3" offer valid to Dec 2026From ~$103–$165/night; approximately 40% less than Four Seasons

Four Seasons: Diplomatic Luxury & Artistic Vibe

  • Location: 48 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District — 700m from the US Embassy, at the core of Beijing's diplomatic quarter.
  • Property: 247 rooms across 26 floors; entry Deluxe rooms from 65m²; Royal Suite occupies the entire 27th floor. Stainless-steel butterfly atrium by designer Jayne Dyer.
  • Identity: Low-key luxury for global leaders. Contemporary art defines every space. Privacy and personalization are the hotel's signatures.
  • Dining: Seven consecutive Michelin Guide Beijing recognitions — Cai Yi Xuan (One Star) and Mio (Michelin Selected).

👉 Check availability and book Four Seasons Hotel Beijing — rooms fill fast, especially around diplomatic seasons and key events.

Kempinski: Global Delegation & Cultural Depth

  • Location: 50 Liangmaqiao Road, directly adjacent to the Four Seasons. Direct underground access to Metro Line 10 (Liangmaqiao Station, Exit C).
  • Property: China's first Kempinski hotel (opened 1992, renovated 2019); 480 rooms across 18 floors; integrated with the Lufthansa Center complex, including YouYi Shopping City.
  • Identity: Vibrant, multi-cultural energy. German efficiency meets international warmth. Ideal for extended stays and large delegations.
  • Dining: Six outlets spanning Bavarian brew house, refined Cantonese, Italian, European deli, and international buffet.

👉 Check availability and book Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center — excellent value for groups and longer stays in the embassy district.

🌟 Four Seasons: Michelin-Starred Dining Excellence

Seven consecutive years of Michelin Guide Beijing recognition. That's not a streak — that's a standard. The Four Seasons Hotel Beijing has established itself as one of Asia's most celebrated hotel dining destinations. Here, every meal is a deliberate sensory experience. Moreover, both flagship restaurants — Cai Yi Xuan and Mio — are fully open to non-hotel guests. You don't need to be staying here to enjoy them.

Cai Yi Xuan: One Star Cantonese Mastery

Cai Yi Xuan

Cai Yi Xuan

Enter Cai Yi Xuan, and the world becomes instantly quieter. Created by the Tokyo studio Spin Design, you creep inside along an amber crystal sculpture cocoon, a passage enveloped in zebrawood flooring. Choose from eight private dining rooms, including two VIP suites, plus a sinfully secret chef’s table. It is not surprising that he has spent more than 20 years mastering Cantonese, Beijing, Tianjin, and Chaozhou cuisines, but Head Chef Li Qiang practices “cooking with the seasons”, sourcing the best seasonal ingredients (including abalone!). Tales of tradition decorate the menu, but we revel in his unexpected surprises.

✨ Seasonal Highlights

  • Chinese Toon & Soybean Milk with Marinated Red Prawn (春·香椿豆乳醉红虾): A spring-only opener. Fragrant toon shoots, handmade soy milk, and bouncy fresh prawn combine in layers of surprising texture. It tastes exactly like the season.
  • Slow-Braised Sesame Duck in Soy Sauce (冬·油酱封麻鸭): A winter warmer. Ancient braising techniques allow the rich sauce to penetrate every strand of the duck. Deeply savory, with a gentle sweet finish that lingers beautifully.
  • Tableside Celery Fish Rice Soup with Live Coral Trout (堂做芹香鱼米汤过桥东星斑): This is theater and cuisine in one. The chef prepares it at your table, controlling every variable. The coral trout meets the hot broth at the exact right moment. Unforgettable.

🌟 Signature Must-Orders

  • White-Cut Sunflower Chicken (白切葵花鸡): The Cantonese classic, elevated. Sourced from Lingnan's prized sunflower-fed chickens, this dish arrives with golden, paper-thin skin. The meat is sweet and silky. Notably, even the bone marrow carries a subtle sunflower seed fragrance. It's a study in restraint and perfection.
  • Signature Roast Goose with Osmanthus Sauce (当家招牌烧鹅): Selected from premium geese and roasted by ancient methods. The skin arrives deep amber and crackling-crisp. Inside, the meat stays moist and tender. The chef's osmanthus dipping sauce cuts through beautifully — sweet and floral against rich, savory fat.
  • Black Garlic King Prawn (黑蒜大虾): A creative fusion standout. Firm, springy prawns meet fermented black garlic — its flavor profile resembles sour plum: tangy, sweet, and deeply complex. It genuinely surprises you on the first bite, then you immediately want another.

💡 Tip: Cai Yi Xuan fills up quickly. Book at least two to four weeks in advance. If you want a private room, plan two weeks or more ahead. It is consistently worth every bit of the effort.

Mio: Tuscan Flavors & Grill Experience

Mio

Mio

By April 2026, Mio had reinvented itself with bold conviction. Under Executive Chef Francesco Magni — hailing from Lake Como, he trained in Michelin-starred kitchens across Italy, Dublin, Sydney, and Macau — the restaurant had transformed into a Tuscan Grill. His motto is simple: great ingredients bear no mask. The offerings are all generous, honest, shared flavors: exactly what every chef from Tuscany wants to cook, and what every guest loves to eat.

🥩 Signature Feasts

  • Australian MB7 Wagyu Bistecca alla Fiorentina T-Bone (澳洲MB7级和牛佛罗伦萨T骨牛排): The restaurant's spiritual centerpiece. Seasoned only with Italian sea salt, premium olive oil, and cracked black pepper. A charcoal grill forms the perfect crust. A final rosemary smoke brings it home. The interior is blush pink and deeply juicy. Pure meat lover's theater.
  • Livorno-Style Seafood Pot (利沃诺意式海鲜锅): A tribute to the Tuscan coast. A copper pot holds whole Boston lobster, daily-catch fish, octopus, squid, giant red prawn, and clams. Each element is individually prepared before being combined. The result is unabashedly Mediterranean — generous, sun-soaked, and deeply satisfying.

🍝 Interactive Tableside Dishes

  • Beef Tartare (意式嫩牛肉塔塔): A playful, ceremonial opener. The chef seasons and plates it tableside according to your preferences. The beef is fresh, clean, and sweet — zero gaminess. The whole process sets an immediately convivial, engaged tone for the meal.
  • Handmade Pici with Duck Ragù (手工粗面配鸭肉酱): Rustic Tuscan warmth. The thick hand-rolled pasta is chewy, with a genuine wheaty bite. The slow-braised duck ragù clings to every strand. Rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting — the kind of dish that makes you slow down and just eat.
  • Classic Tuscan Tomato Soup / Pappa al Pomodoro (传统托斯卡纳番茄汤): Deceptively simple. Ripe tomatoes are patiently reduced to a thick, bright, and subtly sweet soup. It's the perfect palate-opener before the heavier courses ahead.

The dining room features an open kitchen and generous lounge seating. Window seats at sunset are particularly beautiful. Service is professional and perceptive, finishing many dishes tableside. Additionally, if you want to explore more of Beijing's outstanding restaurants beyond these hotel walls, this guide to the best restaurants in Beijing is an excellent companion for planning your full dining itinerary in the city.

Amenities: Tea Garden & Signature Lounge

The Four Seasons experience extends beyond dinner. Breakfast is touted by seasoned travelers to be among the best in Beijing, with Western pastries, cold cuts, an egg station, and live cooked beef noodle soup alongside wontons and restorative chicken broth. Members of staff drop by to check on the guests. Some will even box up selections for early departing travelers — this little touch speaks volumes. The hotel serves classic afternoon tea and light bites as well in the Opus Lounge in a smart social setting. The other respite is the Tea Garden, a courtyard corner where gong fu tea service is offered with imperial snacks. It’s a moment of pause in a fast moving city.

🍺 Kempinski: Diverse Culinary Journeys Worldwide

You don't need to leave the building to travel the world. Six distinct dining venues span Bavarian beer halls, refined Cantonese dining rooms, Italian trattorias, and European bakeries. Together, they form a remarkably self-contained culinary universe. Furthermore, the price range across venues makes this accessible for different budgets within the same group — a practical advantage that the Four Seasons simply doesn't replicate.

Paulaner Bräuhaus: Authentic German Beer Hall

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Since May 1992, Paulaner Bräuhaus has been more than a restaurant in the fullest sense: part of Beijing's modern social history. This was the capital's first German craft brew house, and the first flagship Paulaner brand site for all of China. Enormous copper brewing tanks hang above heavy timber tables and staff in traditional Bavarian dirndls and lederhosen move lively through the dining area. You feel you have stepped into Munich within moments of walking through the door. Somehow thirty years later it feels still very much alive.

🎊 Annual Oktoberfest Celebration

  • Oktoberfest Beijing (十月啤酒节): Every autumn, Paulaner Bräuhaus recreates the full Munich experience. Traditional festival tents go up across the space. Live European bands perform each evening. The beer — brewed strictly under the Bavarian Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) — flows freely. Crispy roast pork knuckle and German sausage platters dominate the tables. This event has become one of Beijing's most anticipated annual gatherings — deservedly so. Additionally, a Maifest (spring celebration) takes place each May.

🥩 The Classic Must-Order Combination

  • German Roast Pork Knuckle with Fresh Draft Lager (德国烤猪肘配鲜酿冰啤酒): Nearly every visitor orders this pairing. The knuckle is first simmered, then roasted. The skin crisps to a crackling-thin shell. Inside, the meat falls from the bone, tender and juicy. Pair it with a freshly poured, cream-topped lager straight from the copper fermentation tank. Long-term Beijing residents call this combination "a flavor memory shared by two generations." On warm evenings, the Summer Garden Terrace makes the whole experience even more special. 🌿

💡 Tip: Summer terrace seats and Oktoberfest tables must be reserved well in advance. Don't leave this one to chance.

Dragon Palace: Refined Contemporary Cantonese Cuisine

Dragon Palace

Dragon Palace

Dragon Palace occupies a tastefully appointed room (Chinese looking; flickering lights; several private dining rooms of varying degrees of excepted. light in which to properly conduct business banquets); menu, all the theory of contemporary Cantonese cooking revised in confident modern fashion, flavoring firmly in the tradition. The restaurant that makes one feel useful, and pleasingly so, when a dinner is important.

🍜 Dish Highlights

  • Sake-Marinated Foie Gras (清酒鹅肝): An elegant opener. The sake treatment renders the foie gras impossibly silky. It melts on contact — rich, yet surprisingly clean on the palate. A precise and confident way to begin.
  • Young Coconut & Fish Maw Broth with Seasonal Greens (椰青菜胆炖鱼肚): A patient, technique-driven broth. Clear and refined in appearance, yet deeply savory. The fish maw is silky soft. After the soup, you eat the tender young coconut flesh for a second, sweeter act of pleasure.
  • Scallion-Roasted Silver Cod (葱烤银鳕鱼): A consistent crowd favorite. The cod fillet is brilliantly white, delicate, and naturally sweet. Roasted with scallion, it carries zero fishiness. Similarly to the roast goose at Four Seasons, this is a dish many guests return for specifically.
  • Classic Hot and Sour Seafood Soup (招牌酸辣海鲜羹): A warming, well-balanced classic. The acid and heat hit exactly the right equilibrium. Rich, nourishing, and genuinely comforting — ideal for opening the appetite on a cooler Beijing evening.
  • Beijing-Style Braised Pork Elbow Flower (京酱肘花): A refined Northern classic. The pork is deeply savory and satisfyingly chewy. Fragrant with slow-braised soy sauce, it's comfort food elevated with care and craft.

💡 Tip: À la carte dishes here are premium-priced. For groups of two to four, the set menus offer significantly better value. They let you sample the kitchen's strengths without overspending. A smart, practical choice for most visitors.

While Dragon Palace showcases Cantonese cuisine beautifully, Beijing's culinary scene extends far beyond hotel walls. For a deeper dive into one of China's most iconic dishes and how to eat it properly, this guide on how to eat Beijing duck is essential reading before your trip.

Kempi Deli: Iconic Black Forest Cake

Kempi Deli

Kempi Deli

Honestly, that many people come to the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center just for this. The Kempi Deli is legendary in Beijing — and the crux of that legend is the Black Forest Cake. This is not some generic hotel pastry. It adheres strictly to classic formulation — three layers of chocolate sponge, cherries soaked in kirsch, fresh cream in all its silken glory. It is beautifully balanced. It is restrained in sweetness. For many long-term residents of Beijing, it occupies a space in the memory of the collective stomach that few desserts on the planet can touch.

🎂 Also Worth Trying

  • Tiramisu: A well-executed Italian classic. Proper espresso depth and a clean, not-too-sweet mascarpone finish.
  • Strawberry Cheesecake: Light, fresh, and elegantly presented. A good palate cleanser after richer courses.
  • Valrhona Chocolate Cake: Rich, intense, and unapologetically indulgent. For serious chocolate lovers only.

The Deli also runs buffet dinners. The dessert station is undeniably the centerpiece. Guest opinions are honest on this front: dessert enthusiasts — especially those on an unlimited drinks package — rate the value highly. On the other hand, guests focused on hot food options may find the savory selection more limited. Go in with clear expectations and you'll leave very happy.

💡 Tip: Hotel guests receive a discount at the Deli. Additionally, arriving after 8pm for the buffet dinner often unlocks further savings. It's well worth timing your visit accordingly.

The Food Gallery: International Buffet Variety

The Food Gallery

The Food Gallery

Food Gallery is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Breakfast is lavish and colourful. The real thrills of the day, though, occur at the international themed dinner buffets. Every night has its theme — Greek night, Southeast Asia night. These menus change throughout the year. Beef Wellington (the real thing), whole lambs roasted, and daily fresh seafood are highlights. Seafood and some drinks included. A good choice for those who ‘enjoy surprise’ (and being surprised) — best at dusk into a walk along the riverside.

🍽️ Other Venues at a Glance

  • Via Roma: Relaxed, family-style Italian with authentic flavors and a genuinely warm, casual atmosphere. A good default for groups with mixed preferences.
  • Kranzler's Restaurant & Bar: Classic international cuisine in a comfortable hotel setting.
  • Honzen: Japanese dining for those seeking a quieter, more focused meal.
  • Rendez-vous Bar and Lounge: The lobby bar. Pre-dinner cocktails, afternoon refreshments, or informal business conversations in a comfortable, unhurried space.

Traveler's Guide: Choosing Your Ideal Stay

By now, the character of each hotel should feel clear. Next, the decision comes down to your specific priorities — budget, atmosphere, dining purpose, and group composition. Here's a direct summary to help you land on the right choice quickly.

Priority Match: Selecting The Right Hotel

  • Choose Four Seasons Hotel Beijing if: Michelin-starred dining is non-negotiable. You value an intimate, gallery-like dining environment. You're celebrating a milestone occasion or hosting a high-stakes business dinner. Your dining budget is comfortably flexible at ¥800–¥1,500+ per person.
  • Choose Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center if: Diverse, one-stop international dining is more your style. You're traveling with family, a group of friends, or a mixed delegation. You want the authentic German beer hall experience — especially during Oktoberfest. You prefer flexibility across price points and cuisine types within a single location.

⚡ Quick-Match Shortcuts

  • Dedicated Dessert Lovers / Food Photographers: Head directly to the Kempi Deli. The Black Forest Cake alone is worth the trip. Consider it a pilgrimage.
  • Reliable Family Dinner or Mid-Size Group: Dragon Palace's consistent quality and well-priced set menus make it the safe, smart choice. It handles the occasion with ease.
  • Novelty Plus Atmosphere: Try The Food Gallery's current themed buffet dinner. Arrive at dusk for the best light and atmosphere — then take a riverside stroll along the Liangma River after.

Speaking of the riverfront — both hotels are part of Beijing's vibrant Liangma River International Waterfront district. From here, Sanlitun Taikoo Li and Lan Kwai Fong (Blue Harbor) are an easy walk or short cab ride. For a broader picture of what to do and see around this part of the city, this guide to things to do in Beijing covers the neighborhood and surrounding highlights in detail. Additionally, if shopping is on your agenda after dinner, this guide to Beijing's best shopping malls is equally useful for planning an evening in the area.

Practical Tips: Booking & Travel Advice

  • 📅 Reservations: Book Cai Yi Xuan and Mio at the Four Seasons ideally one month ahead — two to four weeks minimum. Weekends and public holidays fill fast. For private dining rooms, plan even earlier. Paulaner Bräuhaus summer terrace tables and Oktoberfest seats must also be reserved well in advance — this event sells out predictably every year.
  • 👔 Dress Code: Smart casual or above is expected at Cai Yi Xuan, Mio, and Dragon Palace. Avoid flip-flops and shorts. Confirm with the specific restaurant at the time of booking.
  • 📍 Getting There: Both hotels are at Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District. Kempinski has direct underground access to Metro Line 10 (Exit C). DiDi ride-hailing and taxis serve both properties easily and reliably.
  • 💰 Hotel Rates: Four Seasons from ~$210–$268/night; "Stay 4 for 3" promotion valid through end of 2026. Kempinski from ~$103–$165/night. Book directly via fourseasons.com/beijing or kempinski.com for best rate guarantees.

Faqs: Questions About The Presidential Visit

Q: Where did Trump stay in Beijing during his 2026 state visit?

President Trump's designated trump beijing hotel was the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing at 48 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District. Multiple international outlets — including SCMP and Nikkei Asia — confirmed this arrangement. The hotel blocked public room bookings from May 12 to 15, 2026, for the duration of the official visit.

Q: Where did the US delegation stay in Beijing in 2026?

The US delegation's trump beijing hotel was the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, located at 50 Liangmaqiao Road — directly adjacent to the Four Seasons. Two US officials confirmed this to SCMP ahead of the visit. The Kempinski's capacity of 480 rooms and six dining venues made it well-suited for a large traveling delegation.

Q: Why was the Four Seasons chosen over other luxury hotels in Beijing?

Several factors made the Four Seasons the preferred trump beijing hotel for a presidential stay. Its location is just 700 meters from the US Embassy. The property features a private elevator floor and an underground VIP vehicle access route for motorcades. Furthermore, its discreet, contemporary design aligns naturally with diplomatic security requirements — as does its sustained Michelin dining record.

Q: Does Four Seasons Hotel Beijing have a Michelin-starred restaurant?

Yes. This trump beijing hotel houses Cai Yi Xuan, which holds One Michelin Star in the 2026 Michelin Guide Beijing — its seventh consecutive year of recognition. Mio Italian Restaurant also earned Michelin Selected status for the seventh consecutive year. No other hotel in Beijing's embassy district matches this sustained Michelin track record.

Q: Does Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center have any Michelin recognition?

No — none of the outlets at this trump beijing hotel appear in the 2026 Michelin Guide Beijing. However, that is not the point. Kempinski's dining strength lies in breadth, cultural atmosphere, and genuine value. The Paulaner Bräuhaus, Dragon Palace, and Kempi Deli each earn strong, loyal followings entirely on their own merits.

Q: What is the best restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing?

Cai Yi Xuan is the flagship dining experience at this trump beijing hotel — a One Michelin Star Cantonese restaurant with seasonal tasting menus at approximately ¥800–¥1,500+ per person. For a more relaxed but equally acclaimed option, Mio Tuscan Grill offers sharing-style Italian featuring premium Wagyu and fresh seafood in a warm, interactive setting.

Q: What is Paulaner Bräuhaus at Kempinski Beijing famous for?

Paulaner Bräuhaus at this trump beijing hotel property has been Beijing's original German microbrewery since 1992 — a genuine institution. It brews beer strictly under Bavarian Purity Laws. The roast pork knuckle paired with fresh draft lager is its most iconic combination. Every October, the full-scale Oktoberfest event draws crowds from across Beijing and beyond.

Q: How much does it cost to eat at Cai Yi Xuan or Mio at Four Seasons Beijing?

Dining at these trump beijing hotel restaurants requires a comfortable budget. Cai Yi Xuan runs approximately ¥800–¥1,500+ per person for a full experience including food and soft drinks. A private-room tasting menu was priced at ¥1,688 per person in 2024. Mio is similarly positioned. Advance reservations are absolutely essential for both restaurants.

Q: Can non-hotel guests dine at these restaurants?

Yes — all dining outlets at both trump beijing hotel properties welcome outside guests. You do not need to be a hotel resident to reserve a table at Cai Yi Xuan, Mio, Paulaner Bräuhaus, or Dragon Palace. However, reservations are strongly advised at all venues, especially on weekends, public holidays, and throughout the Oktoberfest season.

Q: How do I get to the Four Seasons and Kempinski hotels in Beijing?

Both trump beijing hotel properties are on Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District. The Kempinski connects directly to Liangmaqiao Station on Metro Line 10 via underground access at Exit C. Taxis and DiDi ride-hailing apps serve both addresses easily. Sanlitun Taikoo Li is a short ride away, and the US Embassy is just 700 meters from the Four Seasons entrance.

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