Beijing has been designated as the UNESCO-UIA (International Union of Architects) World Capital of Architecture 2029, UNESCO announced on Wednesday.
The designation followed the recommendation of the Joint Committee for the World Capital of Architecture.
Established jointly by UNESCO and UIA, the World Capital of Architecture program highlights the transformative role of architecture, urban planning, culture and heritage in advancing sustainable urban development. Every three years, UNESCO designates the host city of the UIA World Congress as the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture.
According to UNESCO, Beijing was selected for its “exceptional ability to bring together one of the world’s richest architectural heritages with a forward-looking vision of sustainable urban development.”
“Its historic urban fabric, successful regeneration projects and vibrant architectural culture demonstrate how heritage, innovation and community life can reinforce one another in shaping resilient and livable cities,” UNESCO said in a press release.
A rainbow appears in the sky after rain in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Juanjuan)
Looking ahead to Beijing 2029, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany expressed confidence in the press release that the city’s extraordinary architectural heritage, dynamic urban transformation and forward-looking vision would inspire new international dialogue on the power of architecture.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, became the first city to be designated the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture in 2020, followed by Copenhagen and Barcelona.
