The selection of the top ten buildings is a traditional "competition" in Beijing's construction industry. The selection of the top ten buildings in Beijing was first made in 1950s. In order to welcome the 10 anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China (PRC), the Great Hall of the People, the Museum of Chinese Revolutionary History (now the National Museum of China) and other 10 large-scale architectural projects were built, which became new landmarks of ancient Beijing at that time.

Since 1950s, Beijing has selected the top ten buildings in Beijing for three times.

Top Ten Buildings in 1950s: Great Hall of the People, Chinese Revolutionary History Museum, Military Museum, Agricultural Exhibition Hall, National Culture Palace, Beijing Workers Stadium, Beijing Railway Station, national hotel, Overseas Chinese Summer Resort and Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Top Ten Buildings in 1980s: New Beijing Library, China International Exhibition Center, CCTV Color TV Center, Capital International Airport Terminal (Terminal 2), Beijing International Hotel, Grand View Garden, Great Wall Hotel, China Theatre, War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression Memorial Hall and Dongsishitiao Subway Station.

Top Ten Buildings in 1990s: CCTV Building, Olympic Center and Asian Games Village, Beijing New World Center, Beijing Botanical Garden Exhibition Greenhouse, Capital New Library, Tsinghua University New Library, Office Building of Foreign Language Research and Teaching Press, Henderson Center, Sun Dong 'an Market and International Finance Building.

This is the fourth time that Beijing has selected the top ten buildings.