These skyscrapers in China are showing off their unique, albeit strange facades far from the monolithic norms.
China is zooming past the rest of the world for the most number of skyscrapers. In 2017 alone, 144 new buildings over 600 feet tall rose above the skyline of Asia’s economic giant. While monoliths are nothing new, these megastructures are turning heads for their strange and wondrous appearances.
Ring of Life
In case you’re wondering how a gigantic time machine would look like, make your way to Fushun City and catch a glimpse of the Ring of Life. Part of a lofty plan that fizzled out, this 515-foot high landmark has turned into a lone attraction. Nonetheless, the ring’s 12,000 LED lights dramatically emanate at night for photographers and sightseers. It’s almost an extraterrestrial landing site turning into reality.
Location: 5858 Taihu Road, Huzhou, China
The gigantic steel loop known as the Ring of Life stands 515 feet from the ground.
National Centre for the Performing Arts
There’s a giant egg in the heart of Beijing that should be in your grocery list; we mean must-visit list. China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts is a stunning dome made of glass and titanium. French architect Paul Andreu designed the astounding complex that has three main performance areas: Opera Hall, Music Hall, and Theatre Hall. The halls can seat a total capacity of about 5,500 guests. At night, the center turns into a visual spectacle that glows over an artificial lake.
Location: 2 West Chang’an Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
In Beijing, the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing is colloquially described as The Giant Egg, for all the obvious reasons.
CMG Headquarters, Beijing
Drive around Beijing’s central business district where you’ll find the Chinese Media Group headquarters. It’s a three-dimensional skyscraper resembling a brick game piece. Local news and television programs air from this 52-story geometric giant. At the linking level that features a glass flooring, visitors can get a unique view of the city below. Locals fondly call the CMG Headquarters as ‘the pants’ while others describe it as a ‘twisted doughnut’ and ‘Z criss-cross.’
Location: East Third Ring Road, Guanghua Road, Beijing, China
From various vantage points, The CMG Headquarters suggests a different visual impact as its architect Rem Koolhaas describes.
Phoenix Island
China’s attempt to go toe-to-toe with the exuberant Palm Islands of UAE comes in the form of Phoenix Island. Tagged as Oriental Dubai, the island is home to five towers resembling the shape of fans. At first glance, the luxurious hotels look like spaceships landing on Earth. Phoenix Island is an artificial archipelago that offers a stunning view of the Sanya Bay.
Location: Phoenix Island, Hainan, China
Aside from the hotel buildings, Phoenix Island has a theme park, shopping center, apartment buildings, sports and recreational areas.
Galaxy Soho
The stunning Galaxy Soho, Beijing’s biggest shopping mall, is a creation of Zaha Hadid and her team of architects. They took inspiration from China’s rice terraces with curves and levels seamlessly unending. The mall’s sky towers and bridges provide great vantage points for taking photos of the ultra-futuristic facade. While the Galaxy SOHO gives a sneak peek into futuristic architecture, it’s also widely panned. Critics call it an eyesore that ruined the architectural heritage of Beijing.
Location: ChaoYangMen, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
The team that designed Galaxy Soho was led by the late Zaha Hadid, a renowned British Iraqi architect.
Photo credits
Main image
Raj Eiamworakul on Unsplash
In-article images
National Centre for the Performing Arts: Ian Holton
Ring of Life: Artyukh Igor
Galaxy Soho: Bjarke Liboriussen
CCTV Headquarters: Xiquinho Silva
Phoenix Island:
Em and Ernie
