The new CCTV headquarters is undoubtedly the world's most unconventional high rise, and, like the "Bird's Nest" and "Wingless Dragon," it's earned a few nicknames, including the dakucha or the "big pants" and the less flattering, but more literally accurate, waiqu dalou (姝洸澶фゼ) or "twisted building," with a heavy implication of "twisted news," though why the home of China's state television media would warrant such a sour sobriquet is hard to imagine.

Sure, there's lots of controversy surrounding this gravity-defying behemoth, but one thing is certain: this building cements Beijing's reputation as a global center for experimental architectural design. The alarming angles and bending bridge section may seem chancy for earthquake-prone Beijing, but the design incorporates a massive encapsulating grid of diagonal beams that thicken around stress points to minimize the risk.

For any big Rem Koolhass fans (the "starchitect" responsible for this buidling's design), the twisted towers will be well worth seeing. Located centrally near the metro line 10, visitors to the building will find it easy to get to and near plenty of other Beijing attractions.