The Most Useful Modern Structure in China, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the modern structure you think is the most useful!

Updated on May 2, 2024 06:58

Welcome to StrawPoll's exciting ranking of "What is the most useful modern structure in China?"! As a rapidly evolving nation, China boasts an impressive array of architectural marvels that have transformed its landscape and become iconic symbols of progress. Our poll invites you to explore these magnificent structures, from the towering heights of the Shanghai Tower to the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. But we're not just looking for the tallest or most visually stunning; we want to know which of these awe-inspiring creations serve the most significant purpose in modern China. So, put on your explorer's hat and get ready to dive into this captivating journey, where you can vote for your favorite, or even suggest a missing option. Unleash your inner architect, and let's discover which modern structure reigns supreme in the great land of China!

What Is the Most Useful Modern Structure in China?

1

55
votes
Source file: Le Grand Portage Derivative work: Rehman · CC BY 2.0

Three Gorges Dam

China Three Gorges Corporation

Three Gorges Dam the largest hydroelectric power station in the world, providing clean energy and flood control for the Yangtze River.
The Three Gorges Dam is a massive hydroelectric dam located on the Yangtze River in China. It is considered one of the most useful modern structures in the country. The dam plays a crucial role in flood control, power generation, and navigation improvement.

Construction Period: 1994-2012

Height: 181 meters (594 feet)

Length: 2,335 meters (7,660 feet)

Installed Capacity: 22,500 megawatts

Reservoir Capacity: 39.3 billion cubic meters (31.9 million acre-feet)
2

18
votes
AcidBomber at English Wikipedia · CC BY 3.0

Beijing Capital International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport one of the busiest airports in the world, connecting China with the rest of the world.
Beijing Capital International Airport is the main international airport serving Beijing, China. It is located in the Chaoyang District, about 32 km northeast of Beijing city center. It is the busiest airport in Asia and the second busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic.

IATA Code: PEK

ICAO Code: ZBAA

Location: Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

Elevation: 35 meters (115 feet)

First Built: March 2, 1958
3

32
votes
Baycrest · CC BY-SA 2.5

Shanghai Tower

Gensler

Shanghai Tower the second tallest building in the world, showcasing modern Chinese architecture and engineering.
The Shanghai Tower is a skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It is widely recognized as an iconic symbol of the city's modern skyline. Standing at a height of 632 meters (2,073 feet), it is currently the second tallest building in the world, surpassed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The tower was designed by the architectural firm Gensler and construction began in 2008, with completion in 2015.

Height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)

Floors: 128

Total floor area: 380,000 square meters (4.1 million square feet)

Design style: Modern and sustainable

Structural system: Composite structure with a reinforced concrete core and a steel outer framework
4

11
votes
N509FZ · CC BY-SA 4.0

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) an iconic Olympic stadium and tourist attraction, representing China's modernization and cultural identity.
The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, is a modern architectural marvel located in Beijing, China. It was built to host the 2008 Summer Olympics and is now one of the most iconic structures in the country. The stadium's unique design resembles a giant bird's nest, hence its popular nickname.

Location: Beijing, China

Construction Period: 2003-2008

Architecture Style: Contemporary

Total Capacity: 80,000 spectators

Purpose: Multi-purpose stadium for sports and events
5

15
votes
杨志强Zhiqiang · CC BY-SA 3.0

China Central Television Headquarters (CCTV)

Rem Koolhaas/OMA

China Central Television Headquarters (CCTV) a unique, futuristic building and media hub, revolutionizing China's broadcasting industry.
The China Central Television Headquarters (CCTV) is a modern and iconic skyscraper located in Beijing, China. It serves as the headquarters for China Central Television (CCTV), the national television network of China. Designed by Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, the building is renowned for its unique and futuristic design.

Height: 234 meters (768 feet)

Construction Period: 2004-2012

Structure: Steel and concrete composite

Building Type: Skyscraper, broadcast center

Function: Television production, offices, studios
6

12
votes
User JakeLM on en.wikipedia · CC BY 2.5

Shanghai Maglev Train

Shanghai Maglev Train the world's fastest commercial train, connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport to the city center in just 7 minutes.
The Shanghai Maglev Train is a high-speed train that uses magnetic levitation technology to hover above the track and propel forward. It is currently the fastest commercial train in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h (268 mph). The train operates on the Shanghai Maglev Demonstration Line, connecting Pudong International Airport to Longyang Road in Shanghai, covering a distance of approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) in just 7 minutes and 20 seconds. It was officially opened to the public on January 1, 2004.

Speed: 431 km/h (268 mph)

Distance Covered: 30 km (19 miles)

Travel Time: 7 minutes and 20 seconds

Technology: Magnetic Levitation

Capacity: 574 passengers per train
7

4
votes
N509FZ · CC BY-SA 4.0

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world, connecting Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China for greater economic integration.
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge is a remarkable engineering marvel and the world's longest sea-crossing bridge. It connects the regions of Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macau, spanning across the Pearl River Delta in southern China.

Length: 55 kilometers

Construction Time: 9 years

Cost: Approximately US$20 billion

Type: Bridge-tunnel system

Bridge section: 29.6 kilometers
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most advanced highway in the world
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7
votes
Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway

China Railway Corporation

Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway the fastest train in China, linking China's two largest cities in just 4.5 hours.
The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway is a modern high-speed rail line in China that connects the two major cities of Beijing and Shanghai. It is one of the most important and widely used transportation infrastructures in the country.

Length: 1,318 kilometers

Maximum Speed: 350 km/h

Number of Stations: 29

Travel Time: 4.5 hours

Passenger Capacity: Over 48,000 passengers per day
9

3
votes
Jay Sterling Austin · CC BY 2.0

Shenzhen Stock Exchange

Rem Koolhaas

Shenzhen Stock Exchange a leading financial market in China and the world, fueling China's economic growth and innovation.
The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) is one of the most significant financial buildings in China, serving as a key platform for securities trading. It is located in Futian District, Shenzhen, and was officially established on December 1, 1990, after the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.

Architecture Style: Modernist

Building Height: 246 meters

Floor Area: 200,000 square meters

Construction Cost: approximately $280 million USD

Number of Floors: 52
10

4
votes
Charlie fong · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tencent Building

NBBJ

Tencent Building the headquarters of Tencent, one of the world's largest technology companies and a major player in China's digital economy.
The Tencent Building is a modern skyscraper located in Shenzhen, China. It serves as the headquarters of Tencent, a leading internet and technology company in China. Standing at a height of 250 meters, the building is an iconic landmark in the city's central business district. It features a sleek and futuristic design, incorporating glass facades and a distinctive curved shape. The interior of the building encompasses state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, creating a conducive environment for innovation and collaboration.

Height: 250 meters

Location: Shenzhen, China

Function: Corporate headquarters

Architectural Style: Modern, Futuristic

Architect: NBBJ

Missing your favorite modern structure?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for useful modern structure

Functionality

How effectively the structure fulfills its intended purpose.
Innovation

How the structure incorporates new and creative designs, technologies, and materials.
Cultural significance

Whether the structure reflects and celebrates China's cultural heritage and traditions.
Economic impact

The economic benefits the structure brings, such as tourism and employment opportunities.
Sustainability

The extent to which the structure was built with environmentally friendly materials and construction techniques.
Accessibility

Whether the structure is easily accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
Safety and durability

The structure's structural stability, resilience to natural disasters, and maintenance requirements.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most useful modern structure in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or modern structure is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1088 views
162 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each modern structure once every 24 hours. The rank of each modern structure is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most useful modern structure in china

China is a country that has undergone immense modernization in recent years, and its architectural landscape is a testament to this progress. From towering skyscrapers to innovative bridges, China has built some of the most impressive structures in the world. But what is the most useful modern structure in China? To answer this question, we must first understand what makes a structure useful. Is it its aesthetic appeal, its engineering ingenuity, or its practicality? China has many structures that embody these qualities, but one that stands out is the Three Gorges Dam. The Three Gorges Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia. It is the world's largest power station based on installed capacity, with 34 generators producing over 22,500 megawatts of electricity. The dam is also a flood control measure, helping to prevent devastating floods along the Yangtze River. The construction of the Three Gorges Dam was a massive undertaking, taking over 17 years to complete. It required the displacement of over a million people and the demolition of entire towns and villages. However, the benefits of the dam are undeniable. It provides clean energy to millions of people, reduces the risk of flooding, and improves navigation along the Yangtze River. In conclusion, the Three Gorges Dam is the most useful modern structure in China. Its engineering marvel and practicality make it an impressive feat of human achievement. The dam is a shining example of China's commitment to progress and innovation.