What defines the skyline of Asia’s most dynamic cities? Among the towering giants that punctuate the horizon, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands out as the tallest building in Asia. It is also the tallest building in the world. The building reaches an astonishing height of 828 meters (2,717 feet). Beyond its impressive stature, the Burj Khalifa offers visitors breathtaking views from its observation decks and houses numerous amenities, showcasing the blend of cutting-edge technology and design. 

List of 10 Tallest Buildings in Asia

Here is the list of the top 10 tallest buildings in Asia.

1. Burj Khalifa
2. Merdeka 118
3. Shanghai Tower
4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower
5. Ping An Finance Center
6. Lotte World Tower
7. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
8. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
9. CITIC Tower
10. Taipei 101

1) Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the highest man-made structure in the world as well as the tallest skyscraper in Asia. It stands at an astonishing height of 828 meters (2,717 ft) and has 163 stories. It was completed in 2010. The famous firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill created this architectural wonder, which is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its record-breaking height revolutionized current skyscraper engineering.

The Burj Khalifa was built using more than 330,000 cubic meters of concrete, 103,000 square meters of glass, and 15,500 square meters of stainless steel. It took a lot of resources and careful planning to complete. Because of its enormous height, the building’s Y-shaped floor plan maximizes stability and views. Modern design features of the Burj Khalifa include a sophisticated external cladding system that reduces heat absorption, which is crucial given Dubai’s harsh climate. 

Inside, the Burj Khalifa houses luxury residences, corporate suites, and the Armani Hotel, providing an exclusive blend of leisure and business spaces. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. Also, its elevator system, which reaches speeds of up to 10 meters per second, enhances the thrilling experience. The Burj Khalifa remains an iconic symbol of Dubai’s ambition and engineering prowess.

2) Merdeka 118

Completed in 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Merdeka 118 is the tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia and the second-tallest in the world, standing at an impressive 679 meters (2,228 ft) with 118 floors. Merdeka 118, a striking addition to Kuala Lumpur’s skyline that combines Malaysian tradition with contemporary innovation, was created by the Australian architectural firm Fender Katsalidis. Its triangular glass front pays visual homage to the culture of the country by reflecting the elaborate patterns of traditional Malaysian art.

Situated close to Stadium Merdeka, the building’s name, “Merdeka,” which translates to “independence,” honors Malaysia’s past while signifying advancement and patriotism. Besides a variety of companies, homes, and hotels, Merdeka 118 boasts Southeast Asia’s highest observation deck with unparalleled views of Kuala Lumpur. It also boasts a mall, a park, and a vibrant rooftop, creating a multi-use complex for both business and leisure.

Engineered to withstand high winds and seismic activity, the Merdeka 118 features an advanced structural system and a sustainable design, earning it Platinum LEED certification. This towering structure represents Malaysia’s ambition on the global stage, making it a modern icon in the city’s ever-evolving landscape.

3) Shanghai Tower

With 128 stories and a height of 632 meters (2,073 feet), the Shanghai Tower stands out on Shanghai’s skyline and is the third-tallest structure in the world and the tallest in China. It was completed in 2015. The American firm Gensler created this architectural wonder, which is located in the Lujiazui area. It is remarkable for its spiraling, twisting shape, which lowers wind load by 24% and greatly improves stability.

The energy-efficient double-skin facade of the structure, which consists of two layers of glass, insulates the tower and keeps the interior temperature acceptable. The Shanghai Tower’s interior is a vertical city made up of a variety of office buildings, upscale hotels, shopping centers, and cultural institutions. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers visitors sweeping views of Shanghai’s dynamic cityscape.

Equipped with some of the fastest elevators globally, reaching speeds of 20.5 meters per second, the Shanghai Tower provides efficient transport across its vast vertical space. It is also a paragon of green building practices, achieving LEED Platinum certification for its sustainable design, which includes rainwater harvesting, wind turbines, and a system that maximizes natural lighting. The Shanghai Tower is a testament to China’s engineering achievements and commitment to sustainable urbanization.

4) Makkah Royal Clock Tower

The fourth-tallest structure in the world and a symbol of Islamic design, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, was finished in 2012 and is a significant structure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, standing at 601 meters (1,972 ft) with 120 floors. This imposing building, which is a part of the Abraj Al Bait complex, is well situated close to the Masjid al-Haram and houses the millions of pilgrims who travel to Mecca every year.

The clock tower’s massive clock face, which can be seen up to 25 kilometers away, is its most distinctive feature. The four clock faces are among the largest in the world, each with a diameter of 43 meters. An enormous crescent moon sculpture, made of fiberglass and coated in gold, sits atop the tower and represents Islam.

Inside, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower offers luxurious hotel suites, residential apartments, shopping malls, and a prayer hall with a capacity for thousands. Also, it houses an Islamic museum, and an observation deck, offering breathtaking views of the holy city. Designed with a focus on both modernity and tradition, the Makkah Royal Clock Tower is a remarkable fusion of spirituality and engineering, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to serving Islamic heritage and its pilgrims.

5) Ping An Finance Center

With 115 stories and a height of 599 meters (1,966 feet), the Ping An Finance Center finished in 2017, is a remarkable architectural achievement in Shenzhen, China. It was created by the well-known architectural company Kohn Pedersen Fox and is the fifth-tallest structure in the world. This modern building represents Shenzhen’s quick ascent to prominence as a global center for technology and finance and houses the headquarters of Ping An Insurance, one of China’s biggest financial firms.

The tower’s unique design includes a sleek stainless steel front that offers longevity and a visually arresting appearance. By reducing wind resistance, this facade contributes to stability in the coastal environment of Shenzhen. Ping An Finance Center also houses one of the highest observation decks in the world, offering visitors panoramic views of the bustling metropolis and beyond.

Inside, the building is a multi-use space, hosting high-end office spaces, a luxury hotel, and retail outlets, creating a vertical city within its walls. Advanced engineering allows its high-speed elevators to operate at speeds of up to 10 meters per second, making transport across floors quick and efficient. The Ping An Finance Center exemplifies cutting-edge construction and sustainable design, representing China’s forward-thinking approach to urban development.

6) Lotte World Tower

The 123-story, 555-meter (1,819-foot) Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea, was finished in 2017. It is the sixth-tallest structure in Asia and the tallest structure in South Korea. Inspired by traditional Korean ceramics and calligraphy brushes, this slim skyscraper, designed by the international architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, combines elegance and functionality, giving it an elegant, tapered shape.

The Lotte World Tower, a multipurpose skyscraper including offices, apartments, a luxury hotel, and entertainment venues, is situated in Seoul’s busy Jamsil neighborhood. The building’s observation deck, “Seoul Sky,” sits on the 118th floor and offers one of the highest vantage points in the world, with glass floors that let visitors experience vertigo-inducing views of the city below.

Engineered for stability and sustainability, the tower can withstand earthquakes and high winds. It also integrates eco-friendly systems, achieving LEED Gold certification. Inside, high-speed elevators reach speeds of up to 10 meters per second, ensuring swift access to its upper floors. The Lotte World Tower exemplifies South Korea’s ambition in architecture and urban development, cementing its place as an iconic feature of Seoul’s skyline.

7) Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

With 111 stories and a height of 530 meters (1,739 feet), the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is one of China’s tallest structures and a noticeable element of Guangzhou’s skyline. It was finished in 2016. Named for its principal developer, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, this skyscraper, built by Kohn Pedersen Fox, is situated in the Zhujiang New Town neighborhood.

The Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is renowned for its mixed-use functioning, housing a five-star hotel, upscale residences, office space, and a variety of retail establishments, forming a bustling “vertical city.” With elevators that can travel up to 20 meters per second, the building also has one of the quickest elevator systems in the world, enabling quick movement throughout its enormous height.

Sustainability and durability were central to its design, with a focus on energy-efficient systems and air quality management. The facade is clad in materials that resist humidity and withstand Guangzhou’s subtropical climate, while also reducing heat gain. Inside, the building employs advanced air filtration systems to ensure a clean environment.

With its blend of high-end amenities, advanced engineering, and dedication to sustainability, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is an emblem of modern Chinese architecture, symbolizing Guangzhou’s growth as a leading financial and cultural hub.

8) Tianjin CTF Finance Centre

With 97 stories and a height of 530 meters (1,739 feet), the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, which was finished in 2019, is one of China’s tallest structures and a prominent part of the city’s skyline. This sophisticated skyscraper, which was created by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, is notable for its streamlined, curved shape, which not only improves its appearance but also lowers wind load, a critical component of a supertall building.

This multipurpose tower accommodates a diverse spectrum of residents and guests by housing a hotel, upscale flats, and office space. The building’s stability against the heavy winds and seismic activity in the area is guaranteed by its sophisticated engineering, which features a high-performance structural system with eight reinforced concrete columns that offer strength and flexibility.

The tower’s facade incorporates glass and specialized glazing that reflects light while minimizing solar gain, promoting energy efficiency. Inside, high-speed elevators enable quick access throughout the building’s vertical space, enhancing convenience for residents and visitors. The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre symbolizes China’s forward-looking approach to architecture and urbanization, serving as both a commercial hub and a striking visual landmark in the fast-growing city of Tianjin.

9) CITIC Tower

With 109 stories and a height of 528 meters (1,731 feet), the CITIC Tower, also called China Zun, is the highest structure in Beijing and a recognizable sight in the city’s skyline. The famous architectural company Kohn Pedersen Fox created this architectural marvel, which was finished in 2018. It was modeled after a traditional Chinese ritual vessel called a “zun.” Besides honoring Chinese tradition, its softly curved, vase-like shape offers structural benefits that maximize the building’s resistance to seismic and wind stresses.

The CITIC Tower, which is situated in Beijing’s busy Central Business District, has a hotel, offices, and an observation deck with expansive views of the city and the mountains. The building’s innovative design includes double-layered glass that reduces energy consumption by minimizing heat gain, making it more environmentally sustainable in Beijing’s climate.

Advanced engineering features, including a super-column core and mega braces, enhance the tower’s stability, crucial for its location in a seismically active region. The CITIC Tower represents Beijing’s ambition and modernization, blending cultural symbolism with cutting-edge design and engineering, and establishing itself as a modern architectural icon in the heart of China’s capital.

10) Taipei 101

When it was completed in 2004, Taipei 101, which has 101 floors and a height of 508 meters (1,667 feet), was the tallest structure in the world. It is still a well-known representation of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Inspired by bamboo stalks and ancient Chinese pagodas, the building’s distinctive tiered structure, designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, represents resiliency and development in Asian culture. Also, this design improves stability, which is important considering Taiwan’s vulnerability to earthquakes and typhoons.

The enormous tuned mass damper, a 660-ton steel pendulum situated between the 87th and 91st floors, is one of Taipei 101’s most striking engineering elements. The structure is extremely resilient because of this damper, which sways to offset building movement during severe winds or seismic events. The building’s elevators, among the fastest in the world, travel at speeds of up to 16.8 meters per second, whisking visitors from the ground floor to the 89th-floor observation deck in just 37 seconds.

Taipei 101 also earned LEED Platinum certification in 2011, highlighting its commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient systems and water conservation. This iconic skyscraper blends Taiwan’s cultural heritage with cutting-edge engineering, securing its status as both a national landmark and a marvel of modern architecture.

No.	Name of Building	Country	Height
1	Burj Khalifa	UAE	828 meters (2,717 feet)
2	Merdeka 118	Malaysia	679 meters (2,228 feet)
3	Shanghai Tower	China	632 meters (2,073 feet)
4	Makkah Royal Clock Tower	Saudi Arabia	601 meters (1,971 feet)
5	Ping An Finance Center	China	599 meters (1,965 feet)
6	Lotte World Tower	South Korea	555 meters (1,819 feet)
7	Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre	China	530 meters (1,739 feet)
8	Tianjin CTF Finance Centre	China	530 meters (1,739 feet)
9	CITIC Tower	China	528 meters (1,731 feet)
10	Taipei 101	Taiwan	508 meters (1,667 feet)

Conclusion

As you conclude your journey through Asia’s tallest buildings, it’s clear these architectural wonders not only define their skylines but also embody the cultural and technological aspirations of their cities. The Burj Khalifa’s impressive height is matched by its role in hosting the highest observation deck globally, while the Shanghai Tower features a unique twisting design that reduces wind loads significantly. 

The CITIC Tower in Beijing boasts an elegant silhouette inspired by traditional vessels, and Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world, symbolizing Taiwan’s resilience. Each structure tells a story of innovation, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence in engineering.

FAQs

Which Is the Tallest Building in Asia?

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in Asia and is located in Dubai, UAE. It stands at an impressive 828 meters (2,717 feet) and has 163 floors, making it not only the tallest in Asia but also the tallest building in the world since its completion in 2010.

Is Landmark 81 the Tallest Building in Asia?

No, Landmark 81, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is not the tallest building in Asia. It reaches a height of 461 meters (1,513 feet) and has 81 floors, making it the tallest building in Vietnam and the 17th tallest in the world.

Which Is the Tallest Building in the World?

The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE. Completed in 2010, it stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet) and features 163 floors, holding multiple world records, including the highest observation deck and the longest elevator ride.

Which Is the Tallest Building in Europe?

The tallest building in Europe is the Lakhta Center in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It reaches a height of 462 meters (1,516 feet) with 87 floors, completed in 2018, and serves as the headquarters for the Gazprom energy company.