Travel

Examples of Incredible Chinese Architecture

By Phin Upham

When most people think of Chinese architecture, they might picture pagodas and traditional-looking structures. While evidence of this craftsmanship still exists in China and Hong Kong, contemporary Chinese architecture has taken a distinctly modern look. These three examples exhibit what modern architects are capable of.

China’s Capital Museum

The Capital Museum is China’s second largest, second only to the National Museum. The stark lines that make up the museum make for a geometric montage of steel and glass rectangles. The structure houses more than 5,000 artifacts within its walls, including a digital movie hall full of cultural reference materials. Its massive roof is a throwback to traditional Chinese architecture, with a long, stone wall that represents the Wall of China. In the hall, one can view an authentic decorative archway from the Ming Dynasty.

The National Indoor Stadium

Constructed for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the National Indoor Stadium has managed to find use outside of the games. It has become a community exercise center, and an auditorium for grand events. The building is nicknamed “shanzi”, which means “fan”, because of its resemblance to traditional Chinese fans.

The Bank of China Tower

The Bank of China Tower was the tallest structure outside of the United States for just two years. Measuring at over 1,000 feet, the building was designed to resemble growing shoots of bamboo. It uses geometric frameworks to cleverly transfer the weight of the structure and keep things balanced. It’s also been featured in more than a few popular sci-fi films.

---

About the Author: Phin Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or LinkedIn page.