1. China Academy of Arts Xiangshan Campus (Amateur Architecture Studio, Hangzhou)
The new Xiangshan campus of the China Academy of Arts (CAA) in Hangzhou ranks among China's most intriguing works of architecture from the last few years. Designed by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu – principals of Amateur Architecture Studio and professors at the Academy – the campus updates the notion of “critical regionalism.” In the architects' words, the campus, by “creating layers of depth, adopting cross-references and modern interpretations on traditions," offers "templates for a modern take on the old pagodas, temples, courtyards, and mountains.” The campus is a remarkable example of critical architectural experimentation, balancing between modernism and tradition while remaining distinctively Chinese in its identity.

2. National Stadium (Herzog & de Meuron, in collaboration with Ai Weiwei, Beijing)
The unavoidable masterpiece of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. An instant classic of modern architecture, both timeless and placeless, even if the “Bird's Nest” could not have been build any