Night view of Beijing CBD, now home to many internationally known landmarks.(Source: China Daily)

Beijing citizens say the city boasts two important landmarks. The Imperial Palace demonstrates the region's glorious past, while the modern Central Business District (CBD) in Chaoyang illustrates its bright future.

Far from slowing down in the midst of the recent economic recession, CBD development has quickened.

The China World Trade Center Tower III, the tallest building in the nation's capital, was recently completed in the area. It will host the Beijing CBD International Business Festival, opening today.

Officials from global organizations, foreign embassies in China and leading experts of finance, mass communication and urban planning will take part in an international business and cultural exchange forum.

The landmark China World Trade Center complex is just a microcosm of CBD development, one of the city's windows to the outside world, said officials.

The area is often referenced as Beijing's Wall Street, and has attracted companies from around the world.