Not only that, but it's right next to possibly the other most noteworthy piece of architecture of the moment, The Bird's Nest.

Whereas most journeys to work involve a bus or tube ride, maybe a stressful car jaunt, mine involves a hairy taxi journey but concludes with a visual treat. It might be oh-my-god o'clock in the morning but it makes all the hard work worth it.

Another favourite is the CCTV building (pictured above) - affectionately known by the locals as 'The Trousers' - it has to be one of the most impressive pieces of architecture I've ever witnessed. Glistening in the sun (or smouldering in the smog) it stands unapologetic in the Beijing skyline. It looks different from every perspective, and has a gravity defying edge with one corner of the building jutting out at a precarious angle. Designed by OMA, one of the contenders for the Birmingham Library project, it's apparently still unfinished, although it looks great to me.

Beijing's World Trade Centre has to be top of the list though. By day it's nothing that spectacular, its peak disappears into the ubiquitous smog, but by night it comes into its own. By dusk it's transformed into a shimmering multi-twinkling tower of lights that alternate like the dashboard of a futuristic car. It has an unworldly feel, like something straight out of Gotham City - you can't help but think that it could be home to the Dark Knight himself...