The formal dining room, accessible from the kitchen through a set of walnut doors, features an original stone fireplace that dates to the 13th century.

The inspiration for this prefabricated, modular family home on Fishers Island, New York, were the views that Tanney and Luntz saw from a 12-foot stepladder, which was balancing on the bed of a pickup truck when they first visited the site.

Built in the late 1950s, the National Art Museum of China is a typical example of Soviet-style architecture with a Chinese-style roof. French architect Jean Nouvel has designed a second location scheduled to be built near the Olympic Park.

Donghai Bridge, China-For two years after its completion in late 2005, the Donghai Bridge was the longest cross-sea bridge in the world. Photo by: Wikipedia

Runyang Bridge, China-Part of the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, crossing the Yangtze River. Fourth-longest span in the world. Photo: sjiong

WFH House (Wuxi, China) Copenhagen-based Arcgency made something special out of a rigid skeleton of shipping containers—a gorgeous, bamboo-clad modular home that offers stylish customization options and environmental features (solar cells, water cistern, green roof) that push this project beyond mere recycling. Photo by Arcgenvy

A full-service kitchen is nestled under the dome’s loft. Clad in stainless steel, its custom-made cabinets match the appliances and the wine glass holder that hangs over the island. The kitchen’s black marble countertops echo the surface of the dining table.

The developer of Three on the Bund gallery gives us a behind-the-scenes tour of the creative side of Shanghai. Photo by: Andrew Rowat

Temple Restaurant does European fine dining on the grounds of a 600-year-old temple that was used as a television factory during the Cultural Revolution. The beautiful lot is also home to a boutique hotel and gallery.

This exhibition space in Chengdu, China features numerous interior courtyards to let light enter.

The CCTV tower designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas was meant to be the headquarters for China Central Television when builders broke ground in 2004, but it was only over the past year that CCTV staff started moving into the building in significant numbers.

The three-by-12-inch porcelain pieces are inspired by the industrial wood floors of the 1970s, but are of the moment thanks to their subtle grain pattern and versatile applications.

The tiles are ink-jet and cold-glazed porcelain, and are meant to weather slightly over time, like wood.

The tiles range from $10 to $22 per square foot.

Inside, Pine walls and ceilings received a dark stain, as did Oak floors.

Jade Screen Peak, taken at Heavenly Capital Peak in 1979

The backsplash is composed of the Kappa range from 41Zero42, paired with quartz "Minnesota Snow

A sweeping spiral staircase occupies the center of the self-supporting dome. Its reclaimed pine treads echo the dome’s ceiling and contrast pleasantly with the raw steel railing. PAK LED lights installed in the floor add an extra touch of drama to the home’s showpiece.

Linked Hybrid Beijing, China Steven Holl Architects Eight bridges totaling 1,004 feet The Linked Hybrid bridges harness color and under-lighting to animate and reflect off the pool below. The eight enclosed bridges connect eight buildings at slightly differing levels and with varying interactions—including a swimming pool, auditorium, and cafe.

The Pinch, a library and community center in Shuanghe Village, Yunnan Province, China, is notable for a series of trusses that drop down from the ceiling to double as a set of suspended bookshelves.

The library as seen from atop the 13-foot retaining wall.

'Poetic Plastic' by Zhuo Wang, China

Road Building I took this photograph of some kids I came across who were working on the road that will connect Lower Mustang all the way through Upper Mustang into China. A lot of the older people I spoke to seemed to be very concerned about the road and the access it will allow for modernity to flow through Mustang. The younger generation, though, were caught between the desires to be a part of the modernizing world and to preserve their Tibetan traditions.

Beijing, China-With thousands of years of history, China has paved the way for many artistic styles and expressions in the Eastern world. China has contributed historical and structural wonders such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and Tianning Temple. The recent construction of the Bejing National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest”, garnered worldwide attention not only for its modern design, but also for its hefty price tag. Photo by: sHzaam!.

Wolf's Fang Stone in the West Sea Valley, taken at Cloud Dispelling Pavilion in 1994

Heart Dragon Pines Overlooking the Peak taken at Now-I-Believe-It Peak in 1975

The China Central Television Headquarters by OMA is a bold take on the skyscraper that combines vertical and horizontal elements.

The wood for the structure, including the trusses, came from a local timber company.

Sleeping Figure Peak, taken at Cloud Dispelling Pavilion in 1984

Twin Bamboo Shoot Peak, taken at the Heavenly Sea in 1991