This work is a fully illustrated and in-depth investigation of the Chinese capital with a special focus on the changes in its urban layout within the last two decades (1990-2005). In view of the forthcoming Olympics, Beijing is intent on revitalizing its image as the capital of a nation capable of taking a leading role in the world. Construction is already underway and has been entrusted to the most prestigious architects on the international scene (Koolhaas, Herzog and de Meuron, Ito, Isozaki, Hadid, and Andreu).