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China has undergone rapidly accelerated urbanization over the last few decades, leading to an explosion of audacious and futuristic architecture. Many of the world’s tallest skyscrapers and biggest projects have recently been completed in China. For travelers fascinated by architecture, China offers a dazzling array of buildings to admire. Below are 10 of the most impressive architectural marvels to check out when visiting China.
1. Shanghai Tower
Currently China’s tallest building and the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower stands an incredible 2,073 feet tall with 128 stories. Completed in 2015, this towering skyscraper has a unique twisted, asymmetrical form crafted to help it better withstand winds and seismic activity. Designed by American firm Gensler, the Shanghai Tower has nine indoor gardens interspersed throughout its heights, helping break up its verticality. The 121st floor observation deck provides stunning 360 degree views. This mega skyscraper is an iconic addition to the Shanghai skyline.
2. Forbidden City
Built in the early 1400s, Beijing’s Forbidden City is the largest and best preserved collection of ancient imperial architecture in China, and the largest palace complex in the world. Made up of nearly 1,000 buildings with 980 rooms, this World Heritage Site served as the home of Chinese emperors for 500 years. Constructed of wood on a monumental scale, highlights include the Meridian Gate entrance, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial Garden, and Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Meandering through this intricate palace complex feels like stepping back through centuries of Chinese history.
3. Beijing National Stadium
Nicknamed the Bird’s Nest, Beijing’s National Stadium garnered worldwide attention when it was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Designed by a Swiss firm in collaboration with Chinese architects, the stadium has an intricate steel framework wrapped in a webbing that resembles interwoven branches. The 91,000 seat stadium is an architectural and engineering marvel, with the steel providing structure as well as decoration. The building’s form emulates aspects of traditional Chinese ceramics. The Bird’s Nest remains a breathtaking Beijing landmark.
4. Shanghai World Financial Center
Another of Shanghai’s many sky-piercing towers, the Shanghai World Financial Center stands 1,614 feet tall and was completed in 2008. Design by American firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, the building has a striking trapezoid aperture at the peak. The original plans called for a circular aperture, but this was changed to a trapezoid to recall traditional Chinese shapes. Some liken the aperture to a bottle opener. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck on the 100th floor for spectacular views through the aperture. The building’s other feature is its focus on sustainability through wind turbines, solar collectors, and rainwater harvesting.
5. Guangzhou Opera House
The Guangzhou Opera House is one of Chinese architect Zaha Hadid’s avant garde creations. Constructed on an island in the Pearl River and finished in 2010, the Opera House resembles two dramatic boulders molded by erosion and rivulets of water. The curving shape minimizes the massive building’s footprint and allows for scenic waterfront views. Inside, audiences can enjoy performances in either the 1,800 seat Grand Theater or the 400 seat Multipurpose Hall. Even if no performances are occurring, the Opera House is an innovative architectural site.
6. Shenzhen Ping An Finance Center
Currently the 4th tallest building in the world at 1,965 feet, Shenzhen’s Ping An Finance Center was completed in 2017. This megatall skyscraper designed by American firm Kohn Pedersen Fox has a futuristic look with a flowing facade of stainless steel and glass. The building actually splits into two at its apex, making it appear like a mountain peak. Within the two divided tops are ‘sky gardens’ with rooftop restaurants and observation decks. The Ping An Finance Center’s imposing height adds drama to the Shenzhen cityscape.
7. Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing’s new mega airport, Daxing International Airport, brought another out-of-this-world architectural creation to China in 2019 courtesy of the late Zaha Hadid. Resembling a five-pointed starfish, the striking design encompasses over 7.5 million square feet. Sustainability was a focus, with the roof designed to conserve energy. Inside, the airport has cutting-edge amenities including robot assistants, as well as traditional Chinese landscaping. The airport’s futuristic form and seamless functionality are astounding.
8. Guangzhou Library
The Guangzhou Library stuns with its ultra-modern appearance achieve through simplicity of form. The library, constructed in 2013, was designed by Dutch firm MVRDV along with the Guangzhou Design Institute. It consists of three story-high oval shaped volumes stacked asymmetrically. Jutting out is a fourth blister-like sphere used as an auditorium. The pure white interior provides an abundance of natural light. Shelves curve to follow the walls. The library’s eye-catching bubble-like spaces are worth exploring.
9. Urban Planning Museum, Shanghai
Located near the Shanghai People’s Square, the Urban Planning Museum has exhibits educating visitors about city planning and development. What brings people through the doors is the building itself. Constructed for the 2010 Shanghai Expo, it has a remarkable towering spiral structure. The interior corkscrews upward, allowing visitors to gradually ascend through the museum and take in the displays. Accessed via a tunnel beneath the structure, the museum emerges like an apparition combining art and civic functionality.
10. China Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010
A momentous undertaking, the China Pavilion was the world’s largest pavilion when it was created as the centerpiece of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The structure was designed to showcase traditional Chinese culture through contemporary technology. Built of wood, the pavilion used centuries-old Chinese bracket architecture known as dougongs. At nearly 170,000 square feet, the intricate latticed roof took years to complete. Still standing today, the China Pavilion remains a historic architectural achievement.
Tips for Traveling in China
Focus on Major Metropolises
For seeing the most renowned buildings, focus on the major metropolises like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
Time Your Visit Around Festivals
Consider visits during festivals like Chinese New Year to see architecture illuminated by decorative lighting displays.
Allot Ample Time for Architectural Sites
Allot ample time for sightseeing at large architectural complexes like the Forbidden City, which can take hours to fully explore.
Get a VPN Before Arriving
Due to internet censorship, purchase a VPN before your trip or upon arrival. This allows access to apps like Google that are blocked in China. You can use search phrases such as the best VPN for China, or VPN中国 (VPN China) to find recommendations for reliable VPNs.
Book Skip-the-Line Entry When Available
When possible, choose tours that allow skip-the-line museum entry to avoid queues at popular architectural sites.
Research Tours of Unfinished Buildings
For unfinished building sites, research ahead of time if tours are available to view architectural works-in-progress.
Be Prepared with Translated Phrases
Mandarin is not widely spoken outside major cities, so go prepared with translated phrases for navigation.
Pack the Right Photography Gear
To capture photos of towering architecture, pack a camera with wide angle and zoom lenses. Tripods can help steady long exposure night shots.
Conclusion
China’s contemporary building boom has crafted architectural marvels that break the mold and bring cutting-edge designs to its cities. For travelers mesmerized by ambitious architecture, China offers a view into the future of building possibilities. Wandering the grand plazas and glossy towers provides singular insight into China’s avant garde urban planning vision.
