Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Architecture
Whether it's the sublime Temple of Heaven or the extraordinary CCTV Building, Běijīng's shape-shifting architec-
ture wows visitors across the generations. In the space of a few minutes, you can amble from an ancient hútòng
(narrow alleyway) past the vermillion Forbidden City, trot alongside the mind-numbing Great Hall of the People
and arrive at the vast and glittering sci-fi-style National Centre for the Performing Arts. In the process you will
have spanned an architectural narrative at least six centuries long, and seen how Běijīng's buildings are as unique
to the capital as the aroma of Peking duck.
BĚIJĪNG'S MOST NOTABLE BUILDINGS
» CCTV Building ( CLICK HERE ) Designed by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren, this fantastic continuous loop of
a building appears to defy gravity.
» National Centre for the Performing Arts ( CLICK HERE ) Běijīng's most loved/hated building - Paul Andreu's
creation is either a masterpiece or a blot on the landscape. You decide.
» Forbidden City ( CLICK HERE ) China's incomparably majestic imperial palace.
» Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests ( CLICK HERE ) The ne plus ultra of Ming-dynasty design and a feast for the
eyes.
» Capital Museum ( CLICK HERE ) Cutting-edge example of modern Chinese museum design.
» Legation Quarter ( CLICK HERE ) A too-rare example of thoughtful and tasteful restoration.
» Great Hall of the People ( CLICK HERE ) This monster of Soviet-inspired socialist realist design, erected during
the Great Leap Forward, would look right at home in Pyongyang.
» National Stadium ( CLICK HERE ) The 2008 Olympics may be a distant memory, but this intricate mesh of steel,
still known to Beijingers as the 'Bird's Nest', remains iconic.
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