Tallest Buildings in China: Exploring 30 Most Iconic Buildings

Suzhou skyline photo by Iron Head 

Dreaming of visiting China’s tallest skyscrapers? You’re not alone. Many marvel at China’s iconic buildings and aspire to witness their grandeur. However, navigating through so many architectural wonders can be overwhelming.

No need to worry, we’re here to assist. With our expertise in architecture and design, you’ll easily explore these marvels.

Here’s the plan:

  • Discover historic tall buildings
  • Explore modern skyscrapers
  • Understand residential and mixed-use structures
  • Preview future architectural projects

Ready to start? Keep reading to uncover the wonders of China’s tallest buildings and transform your understanding of architectural beauty.

Historic Tall Buildings

Porcelain Tower of Nanjing photo by Whisper of the heart

China has a long history of tall buildings, dating back to ancient times. In this section, we will explore two of the most iconic historic tall buildings in China.

1. Porcelain Tower of Nanjing

Model of the original Porcelain Tower of Nanjing photo by ScribblingGeek

The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing was a pagoda located in Nanjing, China. It was built during the Ming dynasty in the early 15th century and stood at a height of 260 feet. The tower was made of white porcelain bricks and had nine stories. Each story was adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Unfortunately, the tower was destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion in the mid-19th century.

2. Liuhe Pagoda

Liuhe Pagoda photo by Windmemories

The Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Six Harmonies Pagoda, is located in Hangzhou, China. It was built during the Northern Song dynasty in the 11th century and stands at a height of 196 feet. The pagoda has seven stories and is made of brick and wood. It was built to suppress the tidal bore of the Qiantang River and is considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.

See Also : Famous Buildings in China

Modern Skyscrapers

Hong Kong skyscrapers photo by Brian Sterling

China has become a hub of modern skyscrapers, with many of them ranking among the tallest buildings in the world. In this section, we will explore the top five modern skyscrapers in China.

3. Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower photo by Stefan Fussan

Shanghai Tower, located in Shanghai, is the tallest building in China and the second-tallest building in the world. The tower stands at a height of 632 meters and has 128 floors. It has a unique design, with a twisted shape that reduces wind resistance and improves energy efficiency. The tower has several observation decks that offer stunning views of the city.

4. Ping An Finance Center

Ping An Finance Center photo by Dinkun Chen

Ping An Finance Center, located in Shenzhen, is the fourth-tallest building in the world and the second-tallest building in China. The tower stands at a height of 599 meters and has 115 floors. It is home to the Ping An Insurance company and has several observation decks that offer panoramic views of the city.

5. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre

Tianjin CTF Finance Centre photo by KangTyngrwey

Tianjin CTF Finance Centre, located in Tianjin, is the tallest building in the city and the third-tallest building in China. The tower stands at a height of 530 meters and has 98 floors. It is home to luxury apartments, a hotel, and office space.

6. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre photo by xiquinhosilva

Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, located in Guangzhou, is the seventh-tallest building in the world and the fourth-tallest building in China. The tower stands at a height of 530 meters and has 111 floors. It is home to a hotel, offices, and luxury apartments.

7. China Resources Headquarters

China Resources Headquarters photo by Charlie fong

China Resources Headquarters, located in Shenzhen, is one of the most iconic buildings in China. The tower stands at a height of 392 meters and has 67 floors. It has a unique design, inspired by a bamboo shoot, with a sleek, cylindrical shape. It is home to the China Resources Group and has several observation decks that offer stunning views of the city.

This video is made by Reporterfy Media & Travel

Residential Buildings

8. China Zun

China Zun photo by Bairuilong

China Zun, located in Beijing, is the fifth-tallest building in China. Completed in 2018, the building stands at a height of 528 meters and has 108 floors. It is primarily used for office space, but also includes luxury apartments on the upper floors. The building’s distinctive shape, resembling a traditional Chinese wine vessel, has made it a landmark in Beijing’s skyline.

9. Jin Mao Tower

Jin Mao Tower photo by Jakob Montrasio

Jin Mao Tower, located in Shanghai, was completed in 1999 and held the title of China’s tallest building until 2007. It stands at a height of 421 meters and has 88 floors. The building is a mixed-use development, featuring offices, a hotel, and residential apartments. The tower’s design is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, with a pagoda-like structure at the top, making it a distinctive landmark in Shanghai’s skyline.

10. The Summit

The Summit photo by ShingBoning

The Summit, located in Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels district, is a luxury residential skyscraper standing at 220 meters with 65 floors. Completed in 2001, it features high-end residential apartments with exclusive amenities, offering stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.

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Commercial and Office Buildings

Skyline of Beijing photo by Charlie fong

China is home to some of the tallest and most iconic commercial and office buildings in the world. These buildings are not only impressive in terms of their height, but also in their design, functionality, and contribution to the city skyline. Here are some of the most notable commercial and office buildings in China:

11. Shanghai World Financial Center

Shanghai World Financial Center photo by GG001213

The Shanghai World Financial Center is a 101-story skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai. With a height of 492 meters, it was the tallest building in China until the completion of the Shanghai Tower in 2015. The building is home to offices, conference rooms, observation decks, and a hotel.

12. International Commerce Centre

International Commerce Centre photo by Ank Kumar

The International Commerce Centre is a 118-story skyscraper located in West Kowloon, Hong Kong. With a height of 484 meters, it is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the ninth-tallest building in the world. The building is home to offices, a shopping mall, and a hotel.

13. Guangzhou International Finance Center

Guangzhou International Finance Center photo by
xiquinhosilva

The Guangzhou International Finance Center is a 103-story skyscraper located in Guangzhou. With a height of 438 meters, it is the third-tallest building in China and the seventh-tallest building in the world. The building is home to offices, a hotel, and a conference center.

14. One Shenzhen Bay Tower

One Shenzhen Bay Tower photo by Charlie fong

The One Shenzhen Bay Tower is a 71-story skyscraper located in Shenzhen. With a height of 338 meters, it is the second-tallest building in Shenzhen and the eighth-tallest building in China. The building is home to offices, a hotel, and a shopping mall.

15. Hanking Center

Hanking Center photo by Charlie fong

The Hanking Center is a 65-story skyscraper located in Shenzhen. With a height of 350 meters, it is the third-tallest building in Shenzhen and the ninth-tallest building in China. The building is home to offices, a hotel, and a shopping mall.

16. Shun Hing Square

Shun Hing Square photo by A Thousand Miles Alone

Shun Hing Square is a 69-story skyscraper located in Shenzhen. With a height of 384 meters, it was the tallest building in China when it was completed in 1996. The building is home to offices and a hotel.

See Also : Tallest Buildings in Germany

Mixed-Use Buildings

Shenzhen Skyline photo by QuantFoto

Mixed-use buildings are becoming increasingly popular in China, offering a combination of residential, commercial, and office spaces all in one building. Here are some of the most iconic mixed-use buildings in China:

17. KK100

KK100 photo by Charlie fong

KK100, also known as KingKey 100, is a 441.8-meter (1,448-foot) skyscraper in Shenzhen, China. Completed in 2011, it features 100 floors above ground and serves multiple purposes, including office spaces, retail areas, and the luxurious St. Regis Hotel, making it a prominent mixed-use landmark in the city.

18. Changsha IFS Tower T1

Changsha IFS Tower T1 photo by Wikipedia

The Changsha IFS Tower T1 is a 452-meter-tall skyscraper located in Changsha. It currently holds the title of the tallest building in the city and is the eighth tallest in China. The building comprises 94 floors and features a mix of retail, office, and hotel spaces. Its design is inspired by the shape of a diamond, symbolizing the city’s burgeoning economy and standing as a prominent architectural symbol.

19. Suzhou IFS

Suzhou IFS photo by Milkomède

The Suzhou IFS is a 450-meter-tall skyscraper located in Suzhou. It is currently the tallest building in the city and the ninth tallest in China. The building comprises 98 floors and features a mix of retail, office, and hotel spaces. Its design is inspired by the traditional Chinese lantern, which has contributed to its popularity as a tourist attraction in the city, showcasing both modern architecture and cultural symbolism.

20. Zifeng Tower

Zifeng Tower photo by DingTalk

The Zifeng Tower is a 450-meter-tall skyscraper located in Nanjing. It is currently the tallest building in the city and the tenth tallest in China. The building comprises 89 floors and features a mix of office, hotel, and retail spaces. Its design is inspired by the shape of a bamboo shoot, symbolizing growth and prosperity, and it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s rapid development and modernization efforts.

21. Wuhan Center Tower

Wuhan Center Tower photo by Baycrest

The Wuhan Center Tower is a 438-meter-tall skyscraper located in Wuhan. It is currently the second-tallest building in the city and the eleventh-tallest in China. The building comprises 88 floors and features a mix of office, hotel, and retail spaces. Its design is inspired by the shape of a sword, which has made it a distinctive landmark in the city’s skyline, blending modern architecture with cultural symbolism.

22. Dongguan International Trade Center 1

Dongguan International Trade Center 1 photo by David290

The Dongguan International Trade Center 1 is a 427-meter-tall skyscraper located in Dongguan. It is currently the tallest building in the city and the thirteenth tallest in China. The building comprises 88 floors and features a mix of office, hotel, and retail spaces. Its design is inspired by the shape of a sailing ship, symbolizing progress and prosperity, and it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s thriving economy and modern development.

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Iconic and Unique Structures

Guangzhou skyscrapers photo by jo.sau

China is home to some of the most impressive and unique architectural structures in the world. In this section, we will explore six of the most iconic buildings that stand tall in China’s skyline.

23. Canton Tower

Canton Tower photo by Sky ears

Canton Tower, located in Guangzhou, China, is a 604-meter (1,982-foot) observation tower completed in 2010. It serves multiple functions, including broadcasting, telecommunications, tourism, and entertainment. The tower features an open-air observation deck, a 4D cinema, and a skywalk for visitors, making it a prominent landmark and tourist attraction in Guangzhou.

24. Bank of China Tower

Bank of China Tower photo by WiNG

The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong is one of the most recognizable buildings in Asia. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the tower stands at 367 meters (1,205 feet) tall. Its unique shape and angular design are evidence of Pei’s innovative style. The tower is also home to one of the most breathtaking observation decks in the world, offering stunning views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour.

25. The Center

The Center photo by Baycrest

The Center is a towering skyscraper located in Hong Kong’s Central District. Standing at 346 meters (1,135 feet) tall, it is known for its unique design featuring a hollowed-out core that enhances natural light and ventilation for its occupants. Additionally, The Center boasts one of the most impressive rooftop gardens in the city, offering a serene oasis amidst the bustling urban landscape of Hong Kong.

26. Wuxi IFS

Wuxi IFS photo by MNXANL

Wuxi IFS is a stunning skyscraper located in the city of Wuxi. The building stands at a height of 339 meters and its unique design features a series of undulating curves that create a sense of movement and fluidity. Wuxi IFS is also home to a world-class shopping mall and a luxury hotel, offering both residents and visitors a blend of sophisticated retail experiences and upscale accommodations.

27. Gate to the East

Gate to the East photo by David290

The Gate to the East is a massive arch-shaped skyscraper located in Suzhou. The building stands at a height of 301 meters. Its unique design is meant to symbolize the city’s traditional archways and bridges, integrating modern architecture with cultural symbolism. The Gate to the East also houses a shopping mall, offices, and a hotel, combining commercial, business, and hospitality functions within its distinctive architectural form.

28. Central Plaza

Central Plaza photo by Baycrest

Central Plaza in Hong Kong is a 374-meter (1,227-foot) skyscraper located in the Wan Chai district. Completed in 1992, it has 78 floors and primarily serves as an office building. Notable for its distinctive triangular floor plan and spire, it also features a unique neon clock on its façade, making it a significant landmark in Hong Kong’s skyline.

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Future Projects

29. Goldin Finance 117

Goldin Finance 117 photo by KangTyngrwey

Goldin Finance 117, also known as China 117 Tower, is a supertall skyscraper currently under construction in Tianjin, China. When completed, it will stand at a height of approximately 597 meters (1,959 feet), making it the second-tallest building in China and the fifth-tallest in the world.

The tower will feature a unique design with a diamond-shaped facade and a golden crown at the top. It will house offices, hotels, and luxury apartments, as well as an observation deck and a skywalk, offering breathtaking views and luxurious amenities.

30. Suzhou Zhongnan Center

Suzhou Zhongnan Center photo by Gensler

Suzhou Zhongnan Center is a supertall skyscraper currently under construction in Suzhou, China. Upon completion, it is planned to reach a height of approximately 729 meters (2,392 feet), making it one of the tallest buildings in China and globally.

The tower will feature a spiraling design with a tapered profile and a diamond-shaped crown at the top. It will accommodate offices, hotels, and high-end apartments, along with a sky garden and an observation deck, offering breathtaking views and luxurious amenities.

See Also : Tallest Buildings in the UK

Tallest Buildings in China: A Recap

Hong Kong skyline photo by Ben Cheung

China’s skyline is proof of architectural innovation and ambition, featuring some of the world’s tallest and most iconic buildings. From the soaring heights of the Shanghai Tower to the symbolic designs of the Gate to the East, each structure blends tradition with cutting-edge design, reflecting China’s rich history and dynamic future.

As projects like the Suzhou Zhongnan Center and Goldin Finance 117 redefine skylines, China continues to lead with awe-inspiring architectural marvels that captivate the world.

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