Scaling the 20th century architectural masterpieces of China
By Globaltimes.cn, Published: 2016-10-10 19:04:56
Jinmao Tower, built in 1999, is now the fourth tallest skyscraper in Shanghai. The 420.5-meter-high tower is located in Lujiazui, in Pudong New District. Photo: CFP
Editor's Note:
The Chinese Society of Cultural Relics and the Architectural Society of China jointly released a list of the country’s 98 20th century architectural masterpieces on September 29, in a move to remind us all of our disappearing heritage.
St. Ignatius Cathedral, also known as Xujiahui Cathedral, is a medieval gothic structure located in Shanghai’s Xuhui District. Construction on the cathedral began in 1904 and finished in 1910. Photo: CFP 
The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower is a major landmark of Shanghai. It stands around 468 meters high and went into operation in May of 1995. Photo: CFP 
Caoyang New Village is the earliest Shanghai community built to address the lack of housing for workers, making it the first such community in China. Construction was completed in May 1952, and the first 1,002 households were welcomed the following month. Photo: IC 
The Great Hall of the People, built in 1959 to mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of China, is located at the west end of Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Besides being used as the meeting place for China’s annual two sessions, it is also the venue for other political, diplomatic and cultural events. Photo: CFP 
The Cultural Palace of Nationalities was built in September 1959 to mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of China. Located at the west side of Chang'an Avenue in Beijing, it ranked first among the “top 50 favorite national style buildings” selected by Beijing residents in 1994. Photo: CFP 
Beijing Railway Station, built in September 1959, is one of China’s earliest and most important transportation hubs. Photo: CFP 
Beijing Workers’ Stadium, which was also built in 1959, is now a major venue for concerts and sporting events, with a maximum capacity of 70,000. Photo: CFP 
The Tianjin Quanyechang building was built in 1928, and has since become a landmark synonymous with the city. Photo: CFP 
Shaanxi History Museum, built in 1986, is composed of a group of buildings built in the style of the Tang Dynasty (618–907). Photo: CFP 
The People’s Hall in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region was built in 1984, and holds meetings and performances, and supplies catering and accommodation. The building is a successful blend of both traditional and modern elements. Photo: Xinhu 
Chengdu Jinjiang Hotel in Sichuan Province was built in 1958 as a gift for the 10th anniversary of the founding of the country. When construction on the hotel was finished in 1960, it was the highest building in Chengdu, offering guests views of Longquan Mountain from its rooftop. Photo: jjhotel.com 
Nanyue Martyr Temple, built in 1938, is the only large cemetery for martyrs on the Chinese mainland. The cemetery is located at the foot of Hengshan Mountain, and commemorates those who fell in the war against Japan. Photo: CFP 
Saint Sophia Cathedral is located in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. The cathedral was built in 1907, and is a classic example of Byzantine architecture. Photo: CFP 
The Great Hall of the People in Chongqing is an ancient style complex built in 1951. The hall combines a traditional Chinese palace structure with elements from Western architecture. Photo: Xinhua