The CNOOC Headquarters is a modern office building filled with natural light, thanks to its tall central atrium, expansive sky gardens, skylights, and clerestory windows.

Positioned at a key intersection along Beijing's Second Ring Road in the Dongcheng district, the building stands across from the large Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building, offering a striking contrast in the urban landscape. Its design draws inspiration from offshore oil facilities—its pointed, ship-like shape resembles the bow of an oil tanker, while the elevated tower on supporting columns evokes the look of an offshore oil platform. This maritime theme continues at ground level, which is designed to resemble the surface of the sea.

A three-story, L-shaped base wraps around a courtyard and contains public amenities like meeting spaces, restaurants, and exhibition areas. The tower’s rotated triangular layout makes efficient use of the site and forms a quieter entrance courtyard, accessed through a symbolic gateway that reflects the design of traditional Chinese courtyards.