UNESCO, UIA name Beijing World Capital of Architecture for 2029

On Wednesday, UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) designated Beijing as the World Capital of Architecture for 2029.

The designation recognizes Beijing's extraordinary architectural heritage and its dynamic vision for sustainable urban development.

The UNESCO–UIA World Capital of Architecture program highlights the role of architecture, urban planning, and culture in advancing sustainable urban development. Every three years, the host city of the UIA World Congress is designated as the World Capital of Architecture.

"As we look towards Beijing 2029, we are confident that the city's extraordinary architectural heritage, dynamic urban transformation, and forward-looking vision will inspire new international dialogue on the power of architecture in improving people's lives and in safeguarding shared heritage for future generations," said Khaled El-Enany, director-general of UNESCO.

Under the theme "Back to Balance", Beijing 2029 will serve as a platform for promoting architecture as a bridge between culture, nature, and people. Through a series of exhibitions, conferences, educational programs, and public events, the city aims to foster international dialogue on how architecture can contribute to inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered urban futures.

Following the recent UIA World Congress of Architects 2026, Beijing will build on the legacies of previous World Capitals of Architecture, such as Rio de Janeiro, Copenhagen, and Barcelona (which received the designation in 2026), to advance collaboration among governments, architects, universities, cultural institutions, and local communities.