China’s New Doughnut-Shaped Building Draws Criticism
- 10 years ago
A new circular building in southern China’s Guangdong province is now complete, drawing comments from supporters and critics alike.
Few countries can match the current pace of construction in China.
A new circular building in southern China’s Guangdong province is now complete, drawing comments from supporters and critics alike.
Giving a nod to both its shape and location, the structure has been officially named the Guangzhou Circle Building.
Situated in the city of Guangzhou and adjacent to the Pearl River, it stands 33 stories tall and has a 150-foot wide hole in the middle of it.
According to its architect, it was built to represent a jade coin, a symbol for China’s history of power and wealth.
It’s also been noted that when viewed with its reflection off the river it resembles the number 8, an auspicious one in Chinese culture.
Others are not so entranced by its dazzling shape and symbolism.
Among many, the building has earned the nickname ‘Tuhao Circle’.
When written in Chinese, the first character of tuhao translates as uncouth and the second as bold. The word as of late is often used to make a negative comment about the nouveau riche.
One student said, "It's quite unusual. I'm quite intrigued to see a building with a circular hole in the middle. Personally, I think it's for the flashy rich people."
Few countries can match the current pace of construction in China.
A new circular building in southern China’s Guangdong province is now complete, drawing comments from supporters and critics alike.
Giving a nod to both its shape and location, the structure has been officially named the Guangzhou Circle Building.
Situated in the city of Guangzhou and adjacent to the Pearl River, it stands 33 stories tall and has a 150-foot wide hole in the middle of it.
According to its architect, it was built to represent a jade coin, a symbol for China’s history of power and wealth.
It’s also been noted that when viewed with its reflection off the river it resembles the number 8, an auspicious one in Chinese culture.
Others are not so entranced by its dazzling shape and symbolism.
Among many, the building has earned the nickname ‘Tuhao Circle’.
When written in Chinese, the first character of tuhao translates as uncouth and the second as bold. The word as of late is often used to make a negative comment about the nouveau riche.
One student said, "It's quite unusual. I'm quite intrigued to see a building with a circular hole in the middle. Personally, I think it's for the flashy rich people."