Platform for local architects

The APEC Summit site in Beijing is among the structures designed by Liu Fanglei.[Photo provided to China Daily]

As China hosts numerous international conferences, this has brought opportunities for local architects to show their talent.

Liu Fanglei, deputy chief architect of the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design, is among those who have shown their ability to combine modernity with tradition.

From the 2014 APEC Summit and last year's G20 Summit to the BRICS meeting to be held later this year, Liu has designed many structures for these major events.

He was the main designer for the Belt and Road summit venue. The meeting was held in Beijing in May.

Before he designs venues, he goes to the area to seek inspiration from the local landscape, history and architecture.

For the APEC Summit site, Liu traveled around Beijing to do his research. Then, inspired by the lines and silhouettes of traditional Chinese architecture in the Han (206 BC-AD 220) and the Tang (618-907) dynasties, he designed a structure with the classic flying rafter.

As China has become a test bed for many Western architects, Liu says, it is important to raise the awareness of Chinese architecture.