“A visionary commercial, cultural and livable model,” that’s how the Beijing International Culture & Art Center is described. The Beijing International Culture & Art Center rises before you. It is a series of towers. These towers host offices, a hotel and serviced apartments.
But it is more than just mixed-use. It is a total living environment. This grand urban scale is surrounded by nature.
Located next to Beijing’s famous Chaoyang Park, the Beijing International Culture & Art Center is well-positioned near the 4th Ring Road. It is also close to the international airport. The entire center is enclosed in a mountain. This mountain has heavy tree planting, landscaping and photovoltaic skylights.
The mountain contributes to reducing the heat island effect. Its forest of trees naturally absorbs carbon dioxide. It provides insulation that reduces energy consumption for both heating and cooling. It also conserves the greenscape of the city.
This project is public transit anchored. It serves as a model for reducing traffic congestion in Beijing. The mixed-use program includes retail and restaurants. It also features a convention center, an aquarium, a performance hall and a large botanical garden. Balancing all these elements is the path to livable cities. This is especially important in a world of increasing population.
Beijing itself has a rich history. It was once called Peking, Beiping, Dadu, Jingcheng, and Yanjing. Beijing is the capital of China. It is the nation’s political and cultural hub. It is also a focal point for transportation, science, technology, education and communication.
Beijing is known for its historical sites and natural scenery. You can find the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall here. Beijing offers a mix of ancient and modern architecture. Temples, gardens and museums add to its charm.
No other city in China offers such a range of accommodations. Beijing has numerous four and five-star hotels. The city is also a food lover’s dream. It has many restaurants with diverse Chinese and foreign cuisines. Entertainment options abound. You can enjoy the Beijing Opera, concert halls and acrobatic troupes. Teahouses are also popular.
Beijing is rapidly changing as it modernizes. The city values its historical culture and antiquities. You can capture the true essence of the city by visiting the Summer Palace. Stroll through the courtyards and quadrangle houses or the Hutong. The modernization has improved living conditions and purchasing power for Beijing’s citizens.
Beijing stands at the northern tip of the North China Plain. The city is 39% flat land and 61% mountainous. Greater Beijing covers an area of 16,808 sq km.
Beijing has served as a capital for more than 800 years. The Forbidden City is the largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complex in the world. The Temple of Heaven is where emperors performed rituals. The Summer Palace was the emperors’ retreat. The Great Wall is world-renowned. Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympic Games.
Beijing has been a center of traditional Chinese culture since the Ming dynasty. Emperors supported the arts. Precious objects poured into the capital. The communist government initially encouraged traditional arts. After a cultural decline in the mid-19th century, the government restored treasures and revived traditional arts.
Traditional Peking opera has been revived. The opera appeals to older people. Younger people prefer movies, television and popular music. Many other performance styles are found in Beijing. The city has a symphony orchestra and Western-style opera. Ballet companies also perform here.
Visual arts have had a resurgence. You can find calligraphy and Chinese-style paintings in many shops and galleries. There is also a growing market for antiques.
The Palace Museum contains the city’s greatest collection of art treasures. The National Museum of China has an extensive collection. It ranges from replicas of Peking man’s bones to scientific instruments. The Capital Museum has exhibits on the history of the city.
The Beijing Library holds collections from the Qing dynasty. It includes rare copies of ancient manuscripts. It also holds books from the Song to the Qing dynasties.
Beijing is well known for its parks. Zhongshan Park, Bei Hai Park and the Summer Palace are among the most popular. Beijing hosted the 1990 Asian Games. The city also hosted the 2008 Summer Games.
Beijing’s citizens have increasing access to leisure time. Movies are common. Teahouses, discos and karaoke bars are popular among young people.
Beijing is one of China’s culinary showcases. All regional cuisines are represented. Peking duck is the best-known dish.
The Beijing International Culture & Art Center embodies this blend of tradition and modernity. It is a testament to Beijing’s vision for the future.