Beneath Beijing’s sky sits a villa that once held the world’s attention: No. 18 villa of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Today we explore its intriguing story. This is a place where history was made and secrets were kept.
Diaoyutai State Guesthouse is more than just a building. It is a witness to China’s evolving role on the global stage. Originally, this was an ancient scenic spot. Emperors once vacationed here. It was even called the “Emperors’ Diaoyutai”. After 1949, leaders like Mao Zedong used it for meetings and temporary residences.
No. 18 villa gained fame as the “presidential villa”. In 1972, President Richard Nixon stayed here during his historic visit to China. Imagine Nixon practicing his chopstick skills for six months before his arrival. He wanted to impress his hosts at the official banquet. Zhou Enlai and Nixon also discussed the Joint Communiqué here.
Many other world leaders have walked through the doors of No. 18. Kakuei Tanaka, the Japanese Prime Minister, signed a crucial agreement here. This agreement normalized diplomatic relations between China and Japan. Queen Elizabeth II, the first British monarch to visit China, also stayed in this villa. The list goes on. George H.W. Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin all experienced the hospitality of No. 18. Kim Jong-un also stayed here during his 2018 visit.
During the Cultural Revolution, Diaoyutai became a political symbol. Jiang Qing and other members of the Cultural Revolution Group lived and worked here. However, after 1978, China’s leaders stopped living at the guesthouse. It remained a venue for important diplomatic events.
Today, the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse has evolved. It is now a five-star hotel that welcomes guests from all over the world. While access to villas like No. 18 remains strict, the guesthouse now hosts business activities too. This allows more people to experience its unique atmosphere. The cost to stay is very high. A single day can cost US$50,000.
Diaoyutai State Guesthouse has received over 1,200 foreign heads of state and government. It employs a large culinary team. They can prepare hundreds of specialty dishes.
As you stand before No. 18, remember its past. It is a place where world leaders shaped history. It is a symbol of China’s engagement with the world. The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse continues to play a role in diplomacy and international relations.