Iconic Beijing

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On September 7, 2010, in Beijing, Cool Places, by Stephen Farrell

Iconic Beijing

Rising 234 metres the CCTV building is one of China’s and arguably the world’s most iconic buildings. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren its outlandish design has prompted some Beijingers to dub the structure “Big Underpants”.

The CCTV Building

The CCTV building (or Big Underpants) is home to China’s national television broadcaster and acts as a nerve centre for television and media based production. Constructed on the site of a former motorcycle factory, work commenced on the CCTV building in September 2004 while completion of the façade was announced in June 2008.

Also occupying the 20 hectare site is the Beijing Television Cultural Centre but prior to completion on February 9^th 2009 disaster struck. During celebrations for the Lunar New Year some stray fireworks ignited the building causing a large inferno. Within 20 minutes flames spread from the lower floors of the building to its crown. The fire’s timing at the end of the New Year celebrations was widely interpreted as a poor omen for the coming year by superstitious Beijingers. The CCTV building was not damaged in the fire but is currently unoccupied as construction work continues on the fire ravaged Cultural Centre. It is still possible to marvel at the contemporary architecture of the CCTV building from nearby pedestrian walkways while visiting Beijing.

Travel west across the city from Chaoyang and the CCTV Building towards Xicheng and one encounters another example of unusual architectural design in Beijing. The National Grand Theatre, which critics have compared to an egg, was the vision of French based Paul Andreu. The National Grand Theatre, home to the National Centre for Performing Arts, symbolises China’s global aspirations in its circular design. Visitors to Beijing can explore the National Grand Theatre Tuesday through to Sunday from 1.30 until 5pm on weekdays and 9:30am until 5pm at weekends. Construction on the National Grand Theatre commenced in December 2001 while an inaugural concert marked the official opening of the venue in December 2007. Admission to the National Grand Theatre costs approximately 30 Yuan.

China World Trade Centre Tower III is an imposing addition to the Beijing skyline at 330 metres tall. The building, home to office, retail and hotel space is listed as the 23^rd tallest building in the world and offers fantastic views of the fore mentioned CCTV building from its summit. The skyscraper designed by American based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill was completed in 2009 following just 4 years of construction. Similarities have been made between the tower’s exterior and that of the original World Trade Centre in New York. To enjoy this building at its best drop in for a nightcap at The Park Hyatt Hotel and watch Beijing glitter below from the bar’s floor to ceiling windows.

To experience the best Beijing has to offer contact China Travel Depot for your personalised itinerary.

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