Beijing, a city in perpetual motion, constantly redefines its skyline with an ever-growing collection of architectural marvels. More than just a collection of skyscrapers, the Chinese capital boasts a unique assembly of structures, many of which playfully mimic everyday objects, inviting commentary and sparking the imagination. From buildings resembling a pair of trousers to those evocative of mountain ranges or even a giant egg, Beijing’s architectural landscape is a testament to innovation and ambition. This article will delve into eight of the most incredible buildings in Beijing that demand attention and offer a glimpse into the city’s evolving identity.
This wave of flamboyant architecture represents a distinct departure from the city’s traditional imperial designs. The mid-20th century, marked by Mao Zedong’s rise to power, witnessed the dismantling of traditional sìhéyuàn (courtyard-style homes) in favor of utilitarian worker housing, austere Soviet-style apartment blocks, and expansive boulevards. While a few preserved hútòngs (alleyways) still exist, nestled near major thoroughfares, they now stand in the shadows of bold architectural statements that challenge conventional notions of design, gravity, and earthquake resistance.
The genesis of Beijing’s architectural revolution can be traced back to the lead-up to the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. As China prepared to host the world, a surge of innovative architectural projects swept across the nation, particularly in the capital. Globally renowned architects flocked to China, eager to push the boundaries of design and contribute to the city’s transformation. The resulting structures became potent symbols of China’s burgeoning power, economic strength, and embrace of modernity.
However, the era of unchecked architectural experimentation eventually faced scrutiny. In 2014, President Xi Jinping called for an end to qíqíguàiguài (strange or weird) architecture, a critique aimed at buildings that prioritized novelty over functionality and aesthetic harmony. This sentiment reflected a growing desire for a more balanced approach to urban development, one that considered the long-term impact of architectural choices.
Subsequently, in 2016, the Chinese government formally declared a halt to architecture deemed "oversized, xenocentric, weird." The new directive emphasized designs that were "suitable, economic, green, and pleasing to the eye." Despite this shift in architectural philosophy, the existing collection of unique and often unconventional buildings in Beijing remains a source of fascination and continues to attract visitors from around the globe. These structures serve as a reminder of a period of rapid change and architectural ambition, offering a tangible connection to China’s recent history.
Let’s explore eight of these incredible buildings, each with its own unique story and design:
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Wangjing SOHO
Strategically located between Beijing Capital Airport and the city center, Wangjing SOHO is a striking complex of interconnected office and retail buildings, accompanied by a trio of pavilions, collectively resembling a futuristic mountain range. Conceived by the visionary British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, in collaboration with Patrik Schumacher, the complex comprises three towers, reaching heights of 387, 416, and 656 feet (200m). These towers are integrated within a 196,850-square-foot public park in Wangjing, a thriving tech business hub in northeast Beijing. Rising to 43 stories, including underground parking and retail levels, the buildings present a dynamic visual experience, appearing both individual and interconnected depending on the viewer’s perspective. Commissioned by SOHO China, Wangjing SOHO offers convenient access via the subway, making it a popular destination for shopping and exploration.
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China Central Television Headquarters
Impossible to miss, the hulking silver-gray headquarters of China Central Television (CCTV) has earned the moniker "big pants" due to its distinctive resemblance to a pair of trousers. This architectural statement, designed by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren of OMA, cost an estimated $900 million. The 51-story building soars 767 feet above Beijing’s central business district. The "pants" shape is achieved through two leaning towers that converge at a perpendicular cantilever "loop" 246 feet above the ground, mirroring the dynamic activities within. The building consolidates all of CCTV’s formerly dispersed offices, television studios, broadcasting facilities, and production areas. According to OMA, one tower houses offices and editing suites, while the other accommodates news broadcasting and administration, with both towers connected at the top. Although the building is not open to the public, exterior views can be enjoyed from the Jintaixizhao subway station, and glimpses of the interior can be caught on the nightly news.
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National Centre for the Performing Arts
Designed by the late French architect Paul Andreu, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, often referred to as "The Egg", is a colossal ellipsoid structure. Situated near Tiananmen Square, this titanium and glass marvel measures 698 feet in length, 472 feet in width, and 150 feet in height. It encompasses a 2,017-seat concert hall, a 2,416-seat opera house, and a 1,040-seat theater. A 328-foot wide canopy allows natural light to illuminate the building’s interior during the day. Since its opening in 2007, the $400 million arts complex has welcomed countless visitors, including renowned performers like Chinese pianist Lang Lang. The underwater entryway, created by suspending the building over a shallow pool, adds to the center’s mystique. Guided tours are available by reservation, providing insights into the building’s design and history. The complex also features a restaurant, café, souvenir shop, music store, and bookstore.
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Linda Haiyu Plaza
Located along the East Fourth Ring Road in the Chaoyang district, Linda Haiyu Plaza is a collection of buildings strategically arranged to resemble a fish. This 259,186-square-foot complex includes a 19-story office building shaped like a fish head, three 15-story apartment buildings, a 20-story hotel, and two five-story commercial buildings. Also known as Linda Fishing Plaza, it houses a supermarket, a variety of restaurants, and a large marine fishing park. The concept and execution of Linda Haiyu Plaza make it a noteworthy addition to Beijing’s diverse architectural landscape.
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Galaxy SOHO
Galaxy SOHO, a mixed-use commercial building in central Beijing, took 30 months to complete. Designed by Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher, this one-million-square-foot complex features a futuristic aesthetic. Constructed with bands of white aluminum and glass, the four continuous structures are interconnected by bridges. The fluid design, characterized by a complete absence of corners, incorporates massive courtyards, paying homage to traditional Chinese architecture. The first three levels are dedicated to retail and entertainment spaces, while the top floors feature bars, restaurants, and cafes. The middle floors are occupied by offices. Galaxy SOHO stands as a testament to innovative design and serves as a vibrant hub for commerce and leisure.
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National Stadium
The National Stadium, affectionately nicknamed the Bird’s Nest due to its intricate steel facade, became an iconic symbol of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies and is also slated to host the opening and closing ceremonies for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, making it a unique venue in Olympic history. Designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, with input from Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, the stadium’s construction is unique. The elliptical red stadium bowl is distinct from its twisting steel facade and saddle-shaped steel roof. Approximately 41,875 tons of steel were used in its construction. The stadium is located within the Olympic Green, where visitors can explore Olympic exhibits, the Olympic torch platform, and walk along pathways on the roof of the Bird’s Nest.
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National Aquatics Center
The National Aquatics Center, also known as the "Water Cube," is distinguished by its blue "bubble" ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) walls. Designed by Arup, this $143 million center is located adjacent to the Bird’s Nest, forming the Olympic Green in Beijing. The rectangular blue building’s design was inspired by soap bubbles, and the ETFE walls allow natural light to penetrate, providing illumination and heating for the building and the pool water. The Water Cube features five swimming pools, a wave machine, rides, and a restaurant. It is open to the public, allowing visitors to witness the site where numerous world records were broken during the Olympic swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming competitions.
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People’s Daily Headquarters
Completed in 2015, the People’s Daily headquarters, situated in Beijing’s central business district, attracted significant attention even before its official opening. Designed by Zhou Qi, a professor of architecture at Southeast University School of Architecture, the 590-foot concrete and glazed terracotta tower comprises 36 floors, including three underground levels. Following the construction of the CCTV headquarters, the People’s Daily headquarters sparked considerable online discussion. Its designer explained that the building’s elongated form was intended to resemble the Chinese character 人 (rén), meaning "people," when viewed from above.
