Top 10 Most Famous Architectural Landmarks in China Today

Located in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort is a prestigious VIP destination known for its remarkable economic, artistic, and architectural value. Towering majestically beside the expansive Taihu Lake, the hotel is eye-catching due to its unique shape, earning the nicknames 'The Horseshoe Hotel' or 'The Donut Hotel'. The structure features 27 floors and 321 luxurious rooms, offering a world-class resort experience complete with top-tier leisure, entertainment, and wellness services. As such, this luxurious resort is a popular choice among affluent travelers and elites worldwide.

The 'Golden Coin' Building in Guangzhou serves as the headquarters for the powerful Hongda Xingye chemical and energy conglomerate, and was designed by a talented Italian architect. Standing at 138 meters with a total of 38 floors, the building captivates visitors with its unique design — resembling an ancient Chinese coin with a hollow center and a shimmering golden bronze finish. According to Wang Zhanshan, the building blends traditional Chinese architectural elements with Western styles, inspired by a precious jade disk displayed in the history museum of the King of Nanyue. Additionally, the disk’s shape, reminiscent of a water wheel, carries feng shui significance, symbolizing prosperity for the company housed within. Valued at $138 million, this is the world’s largest circular 'coin' building to date.

A truly unique design stands proudly in China’s powerful capital city — the Beijing National Stadium. Completed in 2008, this stunning stadium is also known as the 'Bird's Nest' due to its design, which was inspired by the artistic form found in nature, particularly birds' nests. With a construction cost of $423 million, this grand and beautiful structure has hosted major international sporting events, most notably the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Covering an area of 250,000 m² and with a seating capacity of 100,000, the Bird’s Nest Stadium blends everyday life with Chinese cultural identity, alongside Western construction techniques. The result is a harmonious fusion of delicate and intricate design that gives the stadium a soft, yet powerful elegance. It truly stands as an architectural pride for the people of China.

Not only a hub for major financial powerhouses, the Shanghai World Financial Center is also regarded as the fourth tallest skyscraper in the world today. Renowned architects describe this building as a masterpiece, perfectly blending sleek, modern design with natural elements in its surroundings. This striking structure is often hailed as one of the most beautifully designed skyscrapers among the world’s famous landmarks. With a construction cost of $850 million, the building stands 492 meters tall with 101 floors. The highest level offers a viewing platform, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the dazzling Shanghai skyline, especially mesmerizing at night. It is no surprise that this iconic tower attracts over 3 million visitors annually, all captivated by its remarkable beauty upon first sight.

Inspired by a Tang Dynasty poem, the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower stands gracefully along the Huangpu River. It ranks as the third tallest tower globally and is known for its striking design, resembling a pen with three spheres of varying diameters (the topmost sphere is 14 meters in diameter, while the largest one spans 50 meters). Inside the tower are a variety of restaurants, exhibition spaces, shops, and 20 hotel rooms located between the two central spheres. At night, the tower lights up, creating a mesmerizing view, and from a distance, the Yangpu and Nanpu Bridges appear as two dragons guarding the tower’s pearl. Therefore, the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower symbolizes the ever-growing ambition of Shanghai, a city of wealth and luxury.

The CCTV Headquarters Building in Beijing, also known as the CCTV Tower, is one of the most striking and iconic skyscrapers in the city, designed by the Dutch architecture firm OMA. The building is distinguished by its two separate sections, each serving a different function: one for broadcasting operations and the other for various television services. The breakthrough feature of the design is the connection of these two parts through a large cantilevered roof, creating an intriguing polygonal shape that captures the eye. According to CCTV, the design of the building symbolizes the modern and progressive spirit of Beijing. Just as the building's unconventional shape defies tradition, Chinese architecture is expected to continue innovating and achieving remarkable breakthroughs in the future.

As one of the largest buildings in the world, the Global Center in Chengdu spans an impressive 15 million square meters. Designed like a self-contained town, it features an indoor beach that extends over 1 kilometer in length. This space is twice the size of the previous record-holders, Dubai's Mall and New South China Mall in Guangdong. The shopping center houses an array of services including entertainment zones, cinemas, a man-made beach, a water park, and other tourist attractions. It also offers a variety of dining options, supermarkets, high-end shopping areas, and luxury brands. Beyond being a popular shopping and tourist destination, the center includes expansive conference halls and lavish hotels. Visitors can shop for everything from clothing to souvenirs, jewelry, and accessories. After a long day of shopping, guests can relax with a movie in the IMAX theater or enjoy ice skating on the rink.

One of the most iconic structures that initiated a wave of Western-style architecture in China, the "Egg" Theater is located in the heart of Beijing. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the project initially sparked controversy due to its proximity to the Forbidden City, a historic symbol of Chinese power. However, the architect quickly reassured the public by stating that the theater's design would not only blend harmoniously with Beijing’s historical landmarks but also serve as an essential masterpiece for the city's modern development. Completed in 2007 after six years of construction, the magnificent "Egg" Theater, with its unique shape, has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year. Also known as the "Crystal Island", the theater is made of titanium and glass in a stunning dome shape, rising proudly over a vast artificial lake. With three grand concert halls, including an underwater passage, the theater combines exceptional modern architecture with traditional Chinese cultural performances, making it a jewel of both design and heritage.

The immense Galaxy Soho, designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, has become a monumental architectural symbol in Beijing. Its extraordinary design draws the admiration of all who visit the city. The complex, with its flowing and distinctive shape, stands as a testament to human ingenuity.

Inspired by Beijing itself, this remarkable structure comprises five interconnected blocks, seamlessly linked by curved bridges. These aluminum structures fit together in perfect harmony, giving the entire complex an organic, flowing appearance, free from sharp angles or abrupt breaks in form. Despite its ultra-modern design, the development incorporates elements of traditional Chinese architecture, such as expansive courtyards that reflect depth and logic in spatial design. Beyond its artistic value, Galaxy Soho is a major commercial and entertainment hub in Beijing, and it remains a top destination for tourists year after year.

Standing magnificently by the Zhujiang River, the Guangzhou Opera House is a stunning debut masterpiece by the brilliant architect Zaha Hadid. Its defining feature is the remarkable design of two integrated shapes, resembling two sparkling pebbles, with angular patterns that are built using concrete, glass, and steel materials.

Spanning over 70,000 square meters, this impressive structure is not only a cultural and artistic treasure but also serves as a vital link between the river and the harbor.

The opera house boasts 1,800 seats, vast walkways, and cutting-edge sound technology, creating an overwhelming sense of grandeur. Visitors are mesmerized by the luxurious interior space and the dazzling beauty of the building, especially during sunset. As such, the Guangzhou Opera House is widely regarded as a symbol of modern Asian culture.