Guomao

International trade centre with state-of-the-art architecture
Talk of the town: The CCTV building is dubbed 'big pants' - a name conceived by a Beijing taxi driver due to its upside down, 'u' shape.

Word to the wise: While in the heart of the ritzy central business district, drop by the 'Pingguo' neighbourhood - a modern area with cafes, art installations and gallery's.
Before the 90s, Guomao was a grimy industrial area on the outskirts of the city. Nowadays, it is an ultra-modern international trade and business centre, filled with Beijing’s newest and shiniest skyscrapers.

At the Jintaixizhao subway stop, the controversial CCTV high rise - designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, best known for the Seattle Library - is the height of cutting-edge architecture. In the evening, this brilliant and bizarre architectural site lights up like a huge pair of robot legs ready to obliterate the city - it's spectacular and a great spot for inventive photo taking.

If you get off at Guomao subway stop, walk down Jianguomenwai Street to the China World Trade Centre and ogle at the complex's newest addition, Tower Three, the tallest skyscraper in Beijing - a staggering 330 metres. The Atmosphere Bar on the towers' 80th floor is Beijing's highest bar and a fitting spot to enjoy nighttime city views and excellent cocktails.