Beijing to Showcase Heritage, Innovation and Sustainable Urban Development on the Global Stage
Beijing, China | Beijing has officially been designated the UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture 2029, recognizing the Chinese capital’s remarkable blend of architectural heritage, urban innovation and commitment to sustainable development. The announcement was made by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany following the recommendation of the Joint Committee for the World Capital of Architecture, chaired by renowned French architect Dominique Perrault.
The UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture programme, jointly established by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA), honours cities that demonstrate how architecture, urban planning, culture and heritage contribute to sustainable urban development. Every three years, the city hosting the UIA World Congress of Architects is also designated as the World Capital of Architecture.
Beijing earned the distinction for successfully combining one of the world’s richest architectural legacies with an ambitious vision for future urban development. UNESCO highlighted the city’s preservation of its historic urban fabric, successful regeneration initiatives and vibrant architectural culture as examples of how heritage conservation, innovation and community life can work together to create resilient and liveable cities.
Announcing the designation, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany said Beijing’s extraordinary architectural heritage and dynamic urban transformation would inspire international dialogue on architecture’s role in improving people’s lives while safeguarding shared cultural heritage for future generations.
Under the theme “Back to Balance,” Beijing 2029 will host a year-long programme of exhibitions, conferences, educational initiatives and public events aimed at promoting architecture as a bridge between culture, nature and people. The programme seeks to encourage international collaboration on building more inclusive, sustainable and human-centred cities.
The announcement follows the successful conclusion of the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 in Barcelona, the current UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture. Building on the legacy of Rio de Janeiro (2020), Copenhagen (2023) and Barcelona (2026), Beijing will strengthen cooperation among governments, architects, universities, cultural institutions and local communities to address global challenges including climate change, urbanisation, heritage conservation and social inclusion.
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