Architecture in China

Discover 36 places to experience unusual architecture in China.

The islands are connected by a boardwalk.

Tangshan, China

Star Islands of Qian'an

Though these human-made islands were constructed as an escape for the wealthy, they rarely see many visitors.

Ruiguang Tower

The earliest pagoda built in the beautiful Panmen Scenic Area of Suzhou.

Xian Shi, China

Xi'an City Walls

An ancient fortification lives on in this Chinese city.

Modern Shanghai looms over the temple.

Shanghai, China

Confucian Temple of Shanghai

A prestigious learning institute of old Shanghai.

The Great Mosque.

Xian Shi, China

Great Mosque of Xi'an

Although resembling a grand Buddhist temple, this structure is actually the largest mosque in China.

Precious Belt Bridge

This bridge dates back to the 9th century and allows visitors to walk an ancient path amid modern industrial trappings.

Shuangta, Twin Pagodas seen from the relic site

Luohanyuan Shuangta (Twin Pagodas)

Two nearly identical Chinese pagodas stand side by side, along with ancient stone relics.

Ring of Life.

Ring of Life

The massive steel ring looks like it could be China’s first Stargate.

Monks in the temple.

Shanghai, China

Fazangjiang Temple

This under-visited temple is nestled within one of Shanghai's traditional shikumen-style residential blocks.

Guangzhou Circle.

Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou Circle

The world's tallest circular building is loaded with symbolism, but many just see a big donut.

Labrang Meditation Huts.

Gannan Zangzuzizhizhou, China

Labrang Meditation Huts

These picturesque structures speckle the hill above the monastery.

Afaq Khoja Mausoleum.

Kashi Diqu, China

Afaq Khoja Mausoleum

An exquisite example of Uyghur Islamic architecture.

Liebian International Building.

Liebian International Building

On special occasions, one of the world's tallest artificial waterfalls gushes down the side of this Chinese skyscraper.

The atrium.

Tianjin Binhai Library

China’s breathtaking futuristic library is lined floor to ceiling with fake books.

The tunnel of books.

Yangzhou Shi, China

Yangzhou Zhongshuge

Mirrored floors and arched shelves create the illusion of an infinite tunnel of books.

Shaolin monk in the process of levitation

Zhengzhou, China

Shaolin Flying Monks Theatre

A magical work of architecture where a wind turbine enables monks to levitate.