Yanbai Villa, Beijing

A 12th-century Song Dynasty painting was the starting point for architect Wang Shu, and the result is a low-slung resort of concrete and wood sitting on the wooded shores of Yanqi Lake, well northeast of the city. Rooms land in modern-luxe territory, using classic Chinese design as a foundation. The lake, the woods, a pool, and a rooftop walking trail take care of the rest, with Chaosan and French dining when you come inside.