Beijing As A Metropolis

 

Beijing's rapid economic development will likely continue into the near future. With this in mind, Beijing's city planners must account for the increase in affluent population and in the arrival of new businesses when designing a sustainable and accommodating metropolis. Skyscrapers and tall resident buildings now tightly pack the sides of the city's streets. Foreign architects have also been invited to participate in the design of innovative infrastructures such as the National Stadium (commonly known as the "bird's nest) and the China Central Television Headquarters. 

 

It is unknown whether old monuments such as the city walls will be preserved in the future as Beijing takes on a futuristic form. However, more and more people are beginning to realize the importance of maintaining old infrastructures as a part of not only Beijing’s, but also China’s cultural identity. Local residents of the capital city pride themselves in living in the ancient cultural and political centre of the country. Tourists also come to Beijing because of its long history. Perhaps these are enough for Beijing’s city officials to make an effort in preserving the sites of the old city walls. But with the fast rate at which buildings are built and demolished in the city, one can only hope that its ancient landmarks will still be intact in years to come.