Green T. House Living

Green T. House’s opening just before the beginning of the 21 century caused quite a stir in Beijing. Its founder is a well-known dulcimer musician, who has creatively combined Chinese tea culture with modern interior design. Green T. House has made quite a name in the capital ever since.

Last year Green T. House has extended to spa, or what the founder coined as the “bath house” concept. Located along the Fifth Ring Road, the spa is just half an hour’s ride from downtown.

The first impression I got upon entering the spa was its incredibly spacious feeling. Its stylish and minimalistic architecture was characterised by a glass structure which blended seamlessly with the beautiful classic Chinese garden outside. Instead of the usual treatment rooms, there were two large pacing beds and a huge sculpture as decoration. Different from any spa I’ve been to, the treatment space looked like a stage with its futurist design.

Lying in my bed, I had a sense of being lost in time and space as the therapist began the treatments. The aromatherapy massage and Valmont Swiss facial were followed by an excellent cup of floral tea. As I relaxed and took in the futuristic, east-meets-west setting around me, I realised this spa was truly unique. Not only did my body get to unwind, my mind went on a real spiritural journey through this surreal experience.

by Mike Lou, July 2010