China’s Most Famous Buildings

China’s incredible collection of engineering feats goes far beyond the Great Wall of China – although, we can’t deny it’s not incredible! China has been at the forefront of modern architecture and it’s easy to see why.

1. CCTV Headquarters – Beijing

Completed: 2013
CCTV’s modern Beijing building puts a twist on the classic idea of a skyscraper by entering the three-dimensional space. With six loops of horizontal and vertical sections connected by a 71m cantilever, this marvelous building can be seen from most of Beijing’s city center.

Chinahighlights.com
https://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/attraction/cctv-headquarters-building.htm

2. Shanghai Tower – Shanghai

Completed: 2015
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the world’s second-tallest building! This 632-meter-tall mega-skyscraper in Shanghai is beaten only to the title of the world’s tallest by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Be sure to check out their 118th-floor viewing deck... if you’re not afraid of heights that is!

3. Taipei 101 – Taiwan

Completed: 1997
So-called because of its 101 floors, Taipei 101 is designed to resemble an 8-layered pagoda. Did you know that there is a large pendulum suspended from the 92nd to the 87th floor which sways to offset the movement of the building during strong winds and earthquakes? It’s a must-visit if you’re into physics or engineering!

4. Bank of China – Hong Kong

Completed: 1990
One of the most recognizable towers in Hong Kong, this building was designed to resemble growing bamboo shoots. If you look up at the roof of the neighboring HSBC Building, you might notice two maintenance cranes shaped like cannons pointing towers the Bank of China Tower. Why? To defend against the bad feng shui, or bad luck, of the Bank of China’s uneven design!

5. Potala Palace – Lhasa

Completed: 637 AD
If you simply Google “Lhasa”, this building is probably the first, second, third, fourth, (you get the point) picture to pop up! Once the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, the Potala Palace is an important symbol in Tibetan Buddhism. No building in Lhasa is allowed to be taller than the Palace, thus it sits 117 meters on top a mountain.

6. Beijing National Stadium – Beijing

Completed: 2008
Otherwise known as the Bird’s Nest, the Beijing National Stadium is an 80,000-capacity stadium first used for the Beijing Olympics of 2008. The stadium continues to host a range of sporting events, including the AFC Asian Cup, FIA Formula E Championships, the World Championships in Athletics, as well as concerts.

7. Harbin Grand Theatre – Harbin

Completed: 2015
Although an extremely modern and futuristic-looking building, the Harbin Grand Theatre (or Harbin Opera House) was actually built to seamlessly blend in with its natural surroundings, appearing to be sculpted by wind and water. It the winter, it melts into the snowy landscape.

Trip.com
https://www.trip.com/moments/poi-harbin-grand-theater-30582987

8. Oriental Pearl TV Tower – Shanghai

Completed: 1994

Surprisingly much older than you’d imagine, Shanghai’s breathtaking skyline really wouldn’t be the same without the Oriental Pearl! Originally a radio and TV tower, this 468-meter-high tower is now a museum, observation desk, and rotating restaurant all in one!

9. Canton TV Tower – Guangzhou

Completed: 2009

Standing 600 meters tall, the Canton TV Tower is the tallest TV tower in China – yep, it beats the Oriental Pearl in Shanghai! If you only have a few hours in Guangzhou, don’t miss the sightseeing platform for views of the whole city.