By Brianna Zhang MBA
“If you build it, they will come” is obviously the clique quote some of China’s developers are using as a mantra. Many cities, large and small, have allowed creative license in architecture to hopefully fuel its tourism or at least get into the spotlight. While tourist come and go, the residents of the city are left with the elaborate or sometimes referred to as some the ugliest real estate in China.
Here are some famous examples:
1) The Fang Yuan building was inspired by the desire to blend the ancient Chinese coin with modern appeal. Unfortunately, the Fang Yuan building was listed as one of the ugliest buildings in the world. Yet, the building has served its purpose to get others talking about the city. Pictures of the Fang Yuan Building in Shenyang, Liaoning, China can be found here.
2) Guangzhou, the third largest city in China, has had no problems with Chinese citizens and foreigners alike recognizing the city name. The construction of the PaZhou complex was developed for the China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, held in the Spring and Fall each year. The building was inspired to resemble a cloud floating along the Zhujiang river when above and a carp jumping out of the south bank of the Zhujiang river from the east. The complex is currently the largest of its type. Pictures of the PaZhou Complex in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China can be found here.
3) While the name BUMPS seems like an odd name to call the complex, Japanese architect Keiichiro Sak developed the “bumpy” design to help break up the cluttered skyline of Beijing and provide tenets with green design elements. Pictures of the BUMPS building in Beijing, China can be found here.
4) The Emperor Hotel is nestled within the three Chinese gods, Fu, Lu, and Shou. The three gods are known as the three wise men that symbolize happiness, prosperity, and longevity from ancient China. Even with all of the positive symbolism, media reports indicate that architects and residents alike loathe the design. However, the Yanjiao County has received a lot of press about the Emperor Hotel. Any press is good press, right? Pictures of the Emperor Hotel in YanJiao County, Hebei, China can be found here.
5) According to media reports, the local government wanted to draw attention to a newly developed area of Huannai. The Piano House is a design that represents two classical instruments can only hope to bring the sweet sound of new construction. Pictures of the Piano House can be found here.
What famous China buildings have you been impressed by?