Have you ever wondered what the tallest building in China is? The Shanghai Tower holds the title of the tallest building in China. Not only is it a marvel of engineering, but its unique twisting design helps it withstand the city’s strong winds. This blog will take you on a journey through the top 10 tallest buildings in China, exploring their stunning architecture, innovative engineering, and the role they play in shaping the country’s ever-evolving skyline. Here is the list of the top 10 tallest buildings in China.
List of 10 Tallest Buildings in China
- Shanghai Tower
- Ping An International Finance Centre
- Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
- Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
- CITIC Tower
- Shanghai World Financial Center
- International Commerce Centre
- Wuhan Greenland Center
- International Land-Sea Center
- Changsha IFS Tower T1
1) Shanghai Tower
Completed in 2015, Shanghai Tower is the third-highest building in the world and the tallest in China. It stands at 632 meters (2,073 ft) with 128 floors. Situated in Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial sector, it is notable for its unique spiraling design, which represents China’s cutting-edge and contemporary architecture. This design has a practical role as well; the building’s stability and durability are improved by the curved front, which reduces wind loads by up to 24%. One of the best examples of sustainable architecture is the Shanghai Tower. It boasts energy-efficient technology that reduces energy usage by an astonishing 20% and has earned a LEED Platinum certification. The building’s electricity is produced by more than 270 wind turbines that are incorporated into its structure. The tower also uses a double-glass front, which helps to insulate and reduce the need for heating and cooling, making it one of the most eco-friendly skyscrapers globally.
Inside, the Shanghai Tower features sky gardens at different levels, creating a series of “neighborhoods” within the building. It houses offices, retail spaces, and the world’s highest observation deck on the 118th floor, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai. This iconic structure epitomizes China’s architectural ambition and commitment to sustainable development.
2) Ping An International Finance Centre
Completed in 2017, the Ping An International Finance Centre (PAFC) is a 115-story architectural wonder that stands 599.1 meters (1,966 ft) above Shenzhen. The second-tallest structure in China and the fifth-tallest in the world, it is owned by Ping An Insurance and is a noticeable part of Shenzhen’s skyline. The stainless steel exterior of PAFC, which Kohn Pedersen Fox designed, is sleek and simple, signifying stability and strength. The structure’s faceted surface reflects sunlight, creating a shimmering effect that varies throughout the day, and its narrow shape lowers wind pressure. The four corners at its base curve outward to increase the amount of public space, improving pedestrian movement and accessibility.
One of PAFC’s most notable features is its vertical transportation system, with double-decker elevators capable of moving up to 10 meters per second, among the fastest in the world. Inside, the building includes office spaces, a hotel, retail zones, and a high-altitude observation deck on the 116th floor, offering panoramic views over Shenzhen and the South China Sea.
PAFC is also constructed with sustainability in mind, with energy-saving systems and water conservation technologies, emphasizing both grandeur and environmental responsibility in modern architecture.
3) Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
With 97 floors and a height of 530.4 meters (1,740 feet), the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is one of China’s tallest structures. It was finished in 2019. Part of the Chow Tai Fook group, this landmark tower is situated in the bustling business district of Tianjin and represents architectural elegance and modernism in North China. The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre was created by the well-known architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Its streamlined, tapered shape improves stability and lowers wind resistance. It stands out from other skyscrapers thanks to its sleek, flowing front, which is encased in a glass front with delicate curves. The aerodynamic shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as it minimizes wind loads on the structure.
Inside, the building houses high-end office spaces, luxury serviced apartments, and a five-star hotel. Advanced engineering systems, including high-speed elevators that travel up to 10 meters per second, provide swift access across floors. Sustainability is also a key feature, with energy-efficient lighting, water-saving systems, and ventilation innovations that minimize the building’s environmental impact.
The Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is a standout in China’s skyline, blending structural ingenuity, luxury, and sustainability in one of Asia’s most bustling urban centers.
4) Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
With 111 floors and a height of 530 meters (1,739 ft), the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is a landmark in the Tianhe District of Guangzhou and one of the highest structures in China. Part of the Chow Tai Fook (CTF) Finance Centre series, it was finished in 2016 and blends luxury with South China’s most advanced architectural style. Rare for a skyscraper of this size, the tower’s distinctive terracotta front was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox. Besides giving the building a unique look, this element has an environmentally beneficial function by assisting in temperature regulation and energy cost reduction. The CTF Finance Centre is also known for housing one of the fastest elevators in the world, reaching speeds of up to 20 meters per second, and providing swift vertical transportation for visitors.
The building is a mixed-use structure that includes office spaces, a shopping mall, luxury apartments, and the prestigious Rosewood Hotel. It also boasts an observation deck with sweeping views of Guangzhou, the Pearl River, and the surrounding cityscape.
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre has achieved LEED Gold certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient systems and water conservation measures. This architectural marvel reflects Guangzhou’s growth and ambition, symbolizing both modern luxury and environmental consciousness.
5) CITIC Tower
With 109 floors and a height of 527.7 m (1,731 ft), the China Zun, also called the CITIC Tower, is a stunning example of architecture in Beijing’s Central Business District. The highest structure in Beijing, it was finished in 2018 and is known for its graceful “zun” design, which was modeled after an old Chinese ceremonial wine cup of the same shape. The CITIC Tower’s shape, which was designed by TFP Farrells, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and the CITIC Group, narrows in the middle and flares at the top and bottom to improve its structural stability and aesthetic appeal. Given Beijing’s windy climate, the tower’s distinctive design effectively lowers wind load. A high-performance glass curtain wall that reduces heat gain and uses little energy makes up the exterior.
Inside, the CITIC Tower houses office spaces, a luxurious hotel, and high-end retail areas. Advanced building systems, such as double-decker elevators and a high-speed vertical transportation network, help manage the high foot traffic in this bustling business hub. Sustainability is also a core focus, with LEED Gold certification for its energy-saving features and water conservation systems.
The CITIC Tower is a bold symbol of Beijing’s modernization, blending traditional Chinese cultural references with cutting-edge engineering, making it an iconic part of the city’s skyline.
6) Shanghai World Financial Center
With 101 floors and a height of 492 meters (1,614 feet), the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), finished in 2008, is a famous landmark in the Lujiazui neighborhood of Shanghai. Because of its unique trapezoidal opening at the top, it has been dubbed “The Bottle Opener.” Besides giving the structure a unique look, this architectural element lowers wind pressure, increasing the building’s stability under high wind conditions. The SWFC is a multipurpose skyscraper designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox that houses offices, a high-end hotel, retail establishments, and one of the world’s highest observation decks. Visitors can enjoy exhilarating, expansive views of the city and Huangpu River from the observation deck on the 100th level, which has a transparent glass floor.
The SWFC is engineered with advanced seismic technologies to withstand earthquakes, a crucial feature given Shanghai’s susceptibility to seismic activity. Its structural frame uses diagonal bracing, making it one of the most earthquake-resistant buildings globally. The tower’s distinctive design and engineering marvel reflect Shanghai’s rapid modernization and its status as a global financial hub, marking it as an architectural and cultural icon of the city.
7) International Commerce Centre
Completed in 2010, the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Hong Kong is a feat of architecture, rising 484 meters (1,588 feet) with 108 floors. The ICC, Hong Kong’s tallest structure and a prominent feature of the city’s skyline, is situated in West Kowloon. Kohn Pedersen Fox created its clean, contemporary design, focusing on beauty and functionality to mirror Hong Kong’s standing as a major international financial hub. The ICC is a mixed-use skyscraper that has the opulent Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong on its top floors. The hotel has the highest swimming pool in the world, and its 118th floor has a bar with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. Also, the tower houses retail establishments, offices, and observation decks with unmatched views of Hong Kong’s cityscape.
This skyscraper integrates advanced sustainable technologies, with energy-efficient systems, low-emission glass, and rainwater recycling initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. Its double-deck elevators are among the fastest in the world, transporting visitors at a speed of 10 meters per second.
The ICC is more than a skyscraper, it’s a symbol of Hong Kong’s economic vitality and an example of green building practices in high-rise architecture. Its mix of luxury, functionality, and sustainability makes it a remarkable asset to Hong Kong’s ever-evolving skyline.
8) Wuhan Greenland Center
The Wuhan Greenland Center, which was finished in 2023 and has 101 floors and a height of 476 meters (1,562 feet), is a remarkable addition to Wuhan’s skyline. This imposing building, which was created by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, is situated in Wuhan’s business center and is a testament to style and technological progress. The Wuhan Greenland Center is still the tallest structure in Wuhan and among the highest in China, despite its ultimate height being altered due to airspace constraints from its original goal to surpass 600 meters. Its unique shape and tapered structure, which lowers wind resistance and increases structural stability, are elements of its sleek, streamlined design. High-performance glass covers the building’s front, maximizing natural light and reducing heat gain to increase energy efficiency.
The Wuhan Greenland Center is a mixed-use building that hosts office spaces, luxury apartments, and a five-star hotel. Its high-speed elevators, moving at 10 meters per second, make vertical travel efficient and smooth. The top floors feature an observation deck, providing panoramic views of Wuhan’s bustling cityscape and the Yangtze River.
This skyscraper is a testament to sustainable architecture, incorporating energy-saving systems, rainwater collection, and air filtration technology. The Wuhan Greenland Center represents Wuhan’s growth and ambition, setting new standards for skyscraper design in China.
9) International Land-Sea Center
The International Land-Sea Center, which was finished in 2024 and has 98 floors and a height of 458.2 meters (1,503 feet), is a remarkable addition to Chongqing’s skyline. Located in the Jiangbeizui Central Business District of Chongqing, this imposing edifice is the city’s tallest and among the most recognizable in western China. The tower was created by the globally recognized architectural company Gensler and features a sleek, contemporary shape that captures the distinctive terrain and dynamic urban landscape of Chongqing. While the glass and steel front reflects the surrounding environment, producing a shimmering image that varies with the sunshine, its sleek, tapering design improves stability and lessens wind resistance.
Inside, the International Land-Sea Center houses office spaces, luxury apartments, and a five-star hotel, catering to the needs of business and leisure travelers alike. Its observation deck on the upper floors offers sweeping views of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, as well as Chongqing’s densely packed skyline.
The tower emphasizes sustainability with energy-efficient lighting, water conservation systems, and smart building technologies that adjust lighting and temperature based on occupancy. The International Land-Sea Center represents Chongqing’s economic development and architectural innovation, becoming a new symbol of the city’s growth and ambition on the global stage.
10) Changsha IFS Tower T1
With 94 floors and a height of 452.1 meters (1,483 ft), the Changsha IFS Tower T1 was finished in 2018 and is the highest structure in Changsha as well as one of the most notable buildings in central China. The tower, which is a part of the IFS (International Finance Square) complex, a mixed-use development with retail, office, and residential spaces, is situated in the city’s bustling central business district. The tower, which was created by the architectural company Kohn Pedersen Fox, has a sleek, contemporary style with a tapering profile that improves structural stability and lowers wind resistance. Offering sweeping views of the city and the neighboring Xiang River, the building’s eye-catching glass front gives it a reflecting aspect that enables it to mix well with the surrounding urban scene.
Inside, the Changsha IFS Tower T1 houses luxury offices, high-end residential units, and retail spaces, making it a major hub for business and leisure. The building also offers one of the highest observation decks in the city, where visitors can take in sweeping views of Changsha’s rapidly growing skyline.
With sustainability at its core, the tower incorporates energy-efficient systems, including low-emission glass and smart climate control, ensuring it meets modern environmental standards. The Changsha IFS Tower T1 symbolizes the city’s modernization, blending luxury with cutting-edge architecture and environmental responsibility.
| No. | Name of Building | Height | Year of Completion |
| 1 | Shanghai Tower | 632 m (2,073 ft) | 2015 |
| 2 | Ping An International Finance Centre | 599.1 m (1,966 ft) | 2017 |
| 3 | Tianjin CTF Finance Centre | 530.4 m (1,740 ft) | 2019 |
| 4 | Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre | 530 m (1,739 ft) | 2016 |
| 5 | CITIC Tower | 527.7 m (1,731 ft) | 2018 |
| 6 | Shanghai World Financial Center | 492 m (1,614 ft) | 2008 |
| 7 | International Commerce Centre | 484 m (1,588 ft) | 2010 |
| 8 | Wuhan Greenland Center | 476 m (1,562 ft) | 2023 |
| 9 | International Land-Sea Center | 458.2 m (1,503 ft) | 2024 |
| 10 | Changsha IFS Tower T1 | 452.1 m (1,483 ft) | 2018 |
Conclusion
China’s skyline is a testament to its rapid modernization and architectural innovation. From the sleek, twisting design of the Shanghai Tower to the recent completion of the Wuhan Greenland Center at 476 meters, each of these towering structures tells a unique story of engineering excellence and urban ambition. Notable facts include the Shanghai Tower’s role as a global leader in sustainable skyscraper design, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre’s distinctive terracotta front, and the International Commerce Centre’s status as a key part of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. These buildings not only dominate the landscape but also set new standards in construction and design.
FAQs
What Is China’s Tallest Building?
Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China that stands at an astonishing height of 632 meters. Completed in 2015, it features a unique twisting design that enhances stability and reduces wind resistance.
What Is Japan’s Tallest Building?
Japan’s tallest building is the Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower. It stands at 325 meters (1,068 feet) with 64 floors. Completed in 2023, this sleek skyscraper is part of a large mixed-use development in Tokyo, offering office, residential, and retail spaces, alongside luxury amenities.
Did China Build a Skyscraper in 19 Days?
Yes, in 2015, a Chinese construction company completed a 57-story skyscraper in just 19 days. This record-breaking feat used modular construction techniques and pre-fabricated components to speed up the process.
What Is the Most Beautiful Tower in China?
The Shanghai Tower is often considered the most beautiful tower in China due to its sleek, twisting design and reflective glass front. Its unique shape symbolizes the city’s forward-thinking and innovation.
