In 2008, the Chinese built the Bird’s Nest for the 2008 Olympics and its design stunned the world. Since then, not very much. At the moment it serves as a winter amusement park known as the Happy Ice and Snow Season. In April, a promoter may stage a celebrity rock concert to “establish China as a world leader for global peace and a healthier planet.” Or not.
After that, the government says it may build a shopping center there.
Two summers ago, China’s Olympic extravaganza was recognized worldwide as a barely disguised metaphor for this nation’s rise to worldwide importance.
Yet it took only 18 months the famous Water Cube slump to first a light-show; then to a concert hall to stage for a Russian performance of “Swan Lake”, down to an indoor water park.
In a sense, this could be taken as a metaphor for the modern city of China.
The New York Times reports that according to Colliers International, a real estate firm, Beijing’s central business district offices will stand roughly 38% vacant this year.