On Wondrous Skyscrapers of Asia’s Giant
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

National Centre for the Performing Arts - 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

66272-Beijing-2

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

China Hainan Sanya Phoenix Island-107

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

Zaha Hadid: Galaxy Soho, Beijing

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

About
Travel guide
test

TRAVEL GUIDE brings spectacular destinations from around the world closer to you.

Plan worry-free journeys with TRAVEL GUIDE’s in-depth features, itinerary ideas, travel tips, latest happenings, and industry news.

Need travel deals and packages? TRAVEL GUIDE has the answers. Subscribe and get monthly copies of the magazine straight to your doorstep.

Advertise with TG

 

Advertise With Us!

Get your business seen on Singapore’s only printed Travel Magazine.

Scan the QR code now!

TravelGuideAds
what's on
Tourism restarts in Singapore
Work-from-home etiquette
Out and about in safe spaces
Travelling on their terms
TTC pledges to ‘Make Travel Matter’