One of the first things that strike every visitor to Beijing is the city’s diverse skyline. The best way to explore the Beijing treasures is to book a tour withBeijing Tours. The old and the new blend perfectly, making Beijing one of the most unique cities in the world. The finest examples of Chinese imperial architecture – e.g. the Forbidden City located in the centre of Beijing – are balanced out by the bold modern constructions such as the Bird’s Nest or CCTV New Building. To fully appreciate the diversity of Beijing architecture, stay at one of the Beijing Hotelsrooms and experience the best view of the city by night. How is it possible to harmoniously connect past and the future in one city?
As one may expect, the biggest changes were brought about by the 2008 Olympics. Beijing hosted the Games as no city has before – the Olympic Forest Park consists of genuine architectural wonders. The imaginative dome of the National Stadium, better known as the Bird’s Nest, was built with 36km of unwrapped steel and posed quite a challenge for the workers and technicians. Another breathtaking construction erected for the Olympics is the Water Cube, the National Aquatics Centre. It is the largest building in the world covered with bubbly ETFE panels (same cover Allianz Arena in Munich). Apart from its stunning design it also helps to protect the environment – the panels filter more natural light and heat, efficiently reducing energy costs.
Those two Olympics constructions though modern, refer to Chinese symbolic architecture. The cube of the Aquatics Centre represents earth, while the circle of the Stadium represents heaven.
Along with the construction of the Olympic Park, the rest of Beijing developed rapidly. A walk through the recently completed Central Business District (CBD) can result in a sore neck the next day – you simply can’t take your eyes off the spectacular skyscrapers! Each one has an unusual feature that makes you gape in amazement. The building worth emphasis is the CCTV Headquarters with its distinct two inverted L shape. Another innovative construction is the National Centre for the Performing Arts, located in Xichang, just south west off Tiananmen Square. Colloquially called The Egg, it constitutes of a impressive titanium and glass dome ‘floating’ on a manmade lake.
These are just examples of many daring architectural projects in Beijing. Though extravagant and innovative, they only emphasise the beauty of the old Beijing districts. Traditional Beijing courtyards – siheyuan – located in the famous hutongs, not only serve as houses to the locals but in attempt to preserve its former glory, they are also converted to museums or government offices. Before you travel don’t forget to check Travel to Beijing for the most up to date travel information.
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