Landmark
CCTV New Mansion
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The CCTV New Mansion, officially known as the China Central Television Headquarters, is a striking architectural marvel in Beijing's Central Business District. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, the building features a continuous loop of horizontal and vertical sections, forming a distinctive shape that locals affectionately call 'the big pants.' Completed in 2012, the 234-meter-tall structure houses the headquarters of China Central Television. Visitors can admire its unconventional design from the outside, as the building is not open to the public for tours. The surrounding area is a modern urban landscape with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and the nearby Guomao metro station. The building is particularly impressive at night when illuminated, offering great photo opportunities. Its bold architecture has sparked both praise and controversy, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Don't miss
- The unique 'big pants' silhouette – a photo-worthy landmark
- Nighttime illumination that highlights the building's curves
- The surrounding modern skyline of Beijing's CBD
- Proximity to the China World Trade Center complex
- A symbol of contemporary Chinese architecture
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit CCTV New Mansion
You don't need a tour to visit, entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine CCTV New Mansion with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inForbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket Booking4.7★ · 162 travelers2-4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →
Best full dayBeijing Classic Full-Day Tour including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven4.3★ · 723 travelers~9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$99 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleFull Day Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square5★ · 156 travelers9-10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$98 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- The building is not open to the public – enjoy it from the outside.
- Best photos are taken from the pedestrian bridge on East Third Ring Road.
- Visit at dusk to see the building light up.
- Guomao metro station is the closest, with multiple exits.
A bit of history
Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2012. The design was chosen through an international competition, and the building's unique shape required advanced engineering to withstand earthquakes. It has won several architectural awards.
Common questions
Can I go inside the CCTV building?
No, the building is not open to the public for security reasons.
Why is it called 'the big pants'?
The nickname comes from its shape, which resembles a pair of pants when viewed from certain angles.
Who designed the building?
Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA.
How tall is the building?
It is 234 meters (768 feet) tall.
What is the best time to visit?
Evening for the lights, or early morning for fewer crowds.
Is there an observation deck?
No, there is no public observation deck.
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