Witnessing Beijing prepare for the Olympics of 2008 is like being in Ancient Egypt during the time of Pharaohs!!! They are preparing for Eternity!!!

The quality of the design, materials and the magnitude of what they are building is a once in a millennium kind of thing...it is UNREAL!! It is evident in the new Opera House, huge silver sphere reflected by surrounding water, the new TV towers of Rem Koolhaas, and the Olympic Aquatic center of the Bird's Nest Stadium that the Chinese have no fear in dreaming big and spending accordingly...those are historical buildings that are breaking ground, which will be there forever!

Modern architecture seems to be the thing in Beijing, so a visit to the Commune of the Great Wall is also a worth while experience. An hour drive from the center of the city, near the Great Wall, is this private collection of living contemporary Chinese and Asian architecture designed by 12 Asian architects and created by Soho China and its founder, Zhang Xin. These 21 modern villas are managed by the Kempiski Hotels and the very charming French manager, Yves Wencker, can arrange private stays, parties or group visits. Children are welcome with its Kids club, and the Spa offers a myriad of treatments and massages...and of course, if you are like me, hiking on the Great Wall of China is a royal treat!

Chinese contemporary art started to appear in the 80s after the end of the Cultural Revolution and has become very relevant today. 798 Old Factory center is now the art center where galleries, workrooms, and ateliers have appeared. Anchoring it is the recently opened UCCA, Ullens Center of Contemporary Art, a wonderful museum created by Belgian collectors of Chinese art, Guy and Myriam Ullens.