All eyes are on Beijing as the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games draws close.
A slew of infrastructure has been upgraded and added for the Games that will enhance the experience of both event planners and visitors long after the games are over. While the venues are not purpose-built for corporate events, some new architectural landmarks are drawing the attention of planners.
The National Stadium – nicknamed the Bird’s Nest for its iconic interlacing structure – hosted its first sporting event in May. But prior to that, Olympic sponsor Volkswagen held an event at the site last August. Event organisers are anticipating more enquiries from corporate planners.
EVENT SPACES
Just across the road from the Bird’s Nest, the National Aquatics Centre – named the Water Cube for its unique membrane covering a bubble mesh design – is also up and running.
After the Games, the 6,000-seat interior of the centre will be used for product launches and other non-swimming related events.
Despite its position as the leading exhibition destination in China, Beijing has long lacked a big-scale exhibition and conference facility. The National Convention Centre and the China New International Exhibition Centre will plug this gap.
Located in the Olympic Green precinct, the National Convention Centre will host the fencing events and serve as the international media centre during the Olympic Games.
After the Games, it will be re-fitted to become the city’s biggest convention venue with a convention hall, a plenary hall and an auditorium. The refitting is slated for completion next year.
The China New International Exhibition Centre, to be completed before 2010, is located 1.5km west of the Beijing Capital International Airport in the Shunyi District.
The first phase, which will be completed next year, will add 350,000 sqm of exhibition and
conference space to the city in 16 exhibition halls and with meeting facilities for between
50 and 800 delegates.
NIGHTLIFE VENUE
1949 The Hidden City is named after the year this former electrical factory and research facility was opened. The cluster of 12 buildings is located in the eastern part of the city, in Sanlitun, which has a reputation for being a hub of nightlife activity in central Beijing.
The old factory complex, which sprawls over 6,000 sqm, has been given a makeover.
The results were unveiled at the end of March this year to accolades from the developers that
included the “hippest industrial chic dining and entertainment venue”. The red-brick walls
and wooden-floor interior of 1949 houses restaurants, bars, galleries, gardens and event
spaces, as well as a private member’s club.
1949 has only been in operation for a few months and the marketing department explained that only events for up to 100 people can be held there comfortably. That number is expected to increase as the venue matures, with the publicity promising both outdoor and indoor spaces within the development for a maximum group size of 500 people.
www.elite-concepts.com
COMMUNE BY THE GREAT WALL
Commune by the Great Wall comprises 12 buildings of different architectural styles.
The modern designs and spacious surroundings are proving to be a popular venue with luxury brands and companies that are looking for something a little different for their meetings, conferences and incentives.
LEGATION QUARTER
Beijing newest ‘lifestyle development’ is on a site laden with history – it was once part of the American Legation during the Qing era, China’s last imperial dynasty.
The development’s buildings were established in 1903, with a grassed quadrangle in the middle. A collection of fine-dining restaurants, upmarket bars and lounges, high-end retail, an art gallery, a theatre and event space are due to open progressively, with an official opening in July.
The man behind the development, Handel Lee, is no stranger to putting historical sites to new use in China. He is also behind 1933 – a former abattoir and factory in Shanghai that has been given a new lease of life as a development with lifestyle, design and learning themes. He was also
involved in the development of Shanghai’s Three on the Bund.
Legation Quarter sits in the heart of Beijing, a short distance from the southeast corner of
Tiananmen Square. A variety of event spaces of up to 700 sqm are available – including the
gallery space, 650 sqm in the underground multi-purpose theatre and a rooftop lounge
overlooking Tiananmen Square.
The Legation Quarter Art Centre opened on May 21, followed by a Patek Philippe flagship store and French restaurant Maison Boulud by two-star Michelin chef Daniel Boulud.
www.legationquarter.com
GLOBAL AMBITIONS
Beijing has dramatically increased its meeting and incentive offerings as it prepares to host the 2008 Olympics. Many of the new venues will be available for private use after the games
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