CCTV Headquarters

Introduction

The CCTV Tower is situated on East Third Ring Road, Guanghua Road in the Beijing Central Business District (CBD). The tower serves as headquarters for China Media Group (CMG). This 44-story skyscraper displays a queer and unique shape and has been nicknamed “the pants” and occupies an area of 550,000 square meters. The building was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhas and is among other provoking building designs such as the Beijing National Stadium “Bird’s Nest”, the Beijing National Aquatics Center “Water Cube” and the National Centre for Performing Arts “Giant Egg” which shouldn’t be missed either and are best visited at dusk when they are colorfully illuminated.

The construction project of the building commenced in March 2003 after a review of the design of the building by a panel of Chinese experts because the ground breaking design was in contravention to the city’s existing building codes. So construction began in September 2004 and it was under the Chinese Government because it was aiming to redevelop central Beijing with innovative and functional architecture while preserving historic buildings at the same time. The CCTV tower has over time changed the architectural image of Beijing city after it was completed right in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics since CCTV was the official broadcaster of the televised events. It mainly consists of the Main Building, the TV Cultural Center and other auxiliary comprehensive facilities.

Things to see and do on a visit

Outside pictures

Visitors can take outside photos from the nearby Rosewood Beijing and the terrace bars of China World Mall. Visitors can also take the elevator direct from the basement of the building to the 37th floor which is 100 meters high to get a birds-eye view of the CBD through a tough glass floor.

Structure

The building has a unique and stylish L shape structure that stands at 234 meters high with 54 floors. Two "L" shaped high rise towers are linked at the top and the bottom at an angle to form a loop that has been characterized as a "Z" crisscross. In addition, the inside structure of the building can be seen.

5-star hotel

Although the hotel has not yet been completed but it will have around 300 rooms, a lobby, restaurants, swimming pool and shops.