Huairou's Euro-style getaway

If you are organizing a weekend trip to the Huairou district of Beijing, there is now another good choice for one or two nights' stay.

Spring Legend Holiday Hotel can often surprise first-comers. The whole complex is built in classic European style, creating an illusion you are not in Beijing but in an ancient part of Europe, especially on a bright sunny day.

The hotel is just minutes away from central Huairou district. It is only 2 kilometers away from the Jingjia Lu exit of the Jingmi Elevated Expressway, which links directly with Jingcheng Expressway.

The location is just 10 minutes away from the famous Yanqi Lake tourist area, which has various recreational equipment and a good, natural view.

It is 15 minutes' ride from Hongluo Temple, 20 minutes from Qinglongxia, or the Green Dragon Valley, and 30 minutes away from the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. More practically for the winter, it is just 15 minutes' drive from Huaibei Ski Resort, located in the Jiugukou Natural Scenic Spot in Huairou. It is one of Beijing's biggest international ski parks.

The design concept of Spring Legend Holiday Hotel pays tribute to Princess Sissi, or Elisabeth Amalie Eugenie, wife of Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I (1830-1916). A movie about the legendary princess was shown in China in 1989 and became very popular.

The hotel lobby has a portrait of Austrian princess Sissi. The neighboring street has a statue of Austrian musician Johann Strauss, European-style bell towers, and a windmill square.

The entire five-floor building is designed in European style - fireplaces, chandeliers, classic-style high-back sofas and wooden furniture. The living space is comfortable, stylish and compact, with a family atmosphere.

The facade of the hotel is impressive, with a signature fountain with a goddess riding on two lions.