The Art and Architecture of Beijing
The Art and Architecture
of Beijing
The 21st century brought a new wave of art and architecture in Beijing, making it one of
the prominent capitals for design and contemporary arts. From the intricate designs
of Olympic venues to 798 District, this is a day for art and design aficionados.
WHY THIS TOUR?
A city constantly on the move; Beijing’s city planners continue to leave no stone unturned in marking its place in the top ranks of commercially thriving world centres with an eye for design.
With its past preserved, the capital of China weaves its often awe-inspiring views on eye-catching architecture without losing grip on iconic landmarks and innovation in construction. The result is a Beijing horizon filled with some of the most interesting buildings in the world, worth taking up in a full-day excursion.
TRAIL ITINERARY
09:00 - 17:00
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Beijing and will first head out to the Olympic Green, the centre of the 2008 Summer Olympics, where two of the most prominent sporting venues were specially erected. The $423 million main stadium is the world’s largest steel structure which can hold up to 80,000 spectators. The design, which originated from the study of Chinese ceramics gives the stadium the appearance of a “Bird’s Nest”, due to the seemingly random, nest-like steel structure that forms its outer shell.
Nearby, The National Aquatics Centre, better known as the Water Cube, is just opposite the Birds Nest. The building was designed to resemble a box of bubbles, symbolizing water and the aquatic activities taking place inside and brightens up the city at night when a carefully choreographed light show turns the Water Cube into a visual spectacle.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we drive to a former factory complex just outside of the centre. Previously a major manufacturing plant for electronics, by the start of the 21st century, artists from all corners of China saw the potential to bring new life to these factory halls and reshaped it as it now known as 798 Art District. The building is now home to dozens of art galleries in a historically interesting location.
The curved building, nicknamed “The Egg” because of its shape that is the National Grand Theatre shows visitors that architecture has continuously developed the city. The building is situated in the heart of Beijing right next to the Great Hall of the People and Tiananmen Square. How Beijing has grown to its current size is best viewed at the Beijing City Planning Exhibition Hall, dedicated to how urban planning has shaped the capital and what the future will hold. The exhibition includes the city’s economic planning while keeping an eye out on the environmental impacts.
After this last visit, we head back your hotel where you will arrive at approximately 5 pm.
