“Flashy,” someone once scoffed. Yet, here we stand before 20号楼, a landmark that sparks debate and curiosity. I will tell you a story of Guangzhou’s landmarks. This city boasts countless buildings that mirror its development.
Guangzhou is no exception. It is a treasure trove of historic buildings. They tell the story of its rich cultural heritage.
Architecture embodies history. Landmark buildings act as calling cards for a city.
Consider the Guangzhou Circle building. It is a yellow structure with a 47-meter-wide hole. This building has been completed and met criticism. Some call it the “flashy rich people’s circle.” Others praise it.
The Guangzhou Circle is designed to resemble a jade disc. The architect drew inspiration from a jade disc in a Guangzhou museum. Its reflection on the Pearl River forms a figure eight. Eight is a lucky number in Chinese culture.
It is becoming a landmark despite its location. It stands in a suburb 40 minutes from the central business district. The building houses China’s largest plastics trading floor.
Other Guangzhou landmarks include the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. It exemplifies architecture from the Qing Dynasty. Built between 1890 and 1894, it served as a place for ancestor worship and study. The temple complex consists of halls, courtyards, and buildings connected by corridors.
The All-China Federation of Trade Unions building marks the 1920s. It was originally called “Huizhou Assembly Hall”.
The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall marks the 1930s. The people of Guangzhou built it in memory of Sun Yat-sen.
The Oi Kwan Hotel represents the 1940s. Built in 1934, it was South China’s tallest building for thirty years.
The Nan Fang Department Store marks the 1950s. It was the tallest building in China when built.
The Haizhu Bridge represents the 1960s. Construction started during the Republic of China period.
The Guangzhou Hotel marks the 1970s. It was one of China’s first foreign hotels.
So, what will 20号楼 represent for future generations? Will it be a symbol of crass wealth? Or a brave architectural statement? Only time will tell.