The new Capital International Exhibition & Convention Centre (CIECC) in Beijing is one of five ZHA projects nominated for 2026 ‘World Architecture News’ awards. CIECC is also one of four ZHA projects winning 2026 ‘Rethinking The Future’ awards.

Beijing’s largest exhibition & convention venue, CIECC expands the city’s existing facility to over 611,000 sq. m with 9 new exhibition halls, 3 reception halls, a conference centre for 9,000 delegates and an on-site 410-room hotel.

Located on Line 15 of the Beijing Subway and adjacent to the city’s Capital International Airport, CIECC’s central north-south axis serves as the primary connector between the nine exhibition halls; creating a central courtyard with sheltered outdoor event spaces and landscaped gardens.

Bridges above this central courtyard providing indoor circulation between the exhibition halls, conference centre and hotel. The movement of people, goods, & vehicles throughout CIECC is divided into three distinct routes to aid circulation, provide optimal adaptability and avoid disruption to concurring events.

CIECC’s composite roof system of symmetric geometries creates an insulated, lightweight, large-span structure providing column-free spaces that can be quickly adapted to changes in exhibitions and nature of use. This modular fabrication and construction minimized the centre’s development time, investment, and operational costs.

The centre’s fluid architectural language incorporates a pleated, deep copper-coloured façade with large, recessed windows.

Achieving the highest certification of China’s Green Building Program, the centre uses smart building management systems with hybrid natural ventilation. Rainwater collection throughout CIECC’s extensive footprint, grey water recycling, and photovoltaics for on-site energy generation reduce water and energy demand from the city’s municipal supply.

Stunning photos by Virgile Simon Bertrand