Six skyscrapers that changed city skylines in China

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For the past decade, China has dwarfed the rest of the world in the construction of skyscrapers. Now over half of the 10 tallest buildings in the world are on the Chinese mainland. Let's take a closer look at these skyscrapers that have transformed China's cityscapes.

No.1 Wuhan Greenland Center

Rising from its site on the Yangtze River waterfront, the Wuhan Greenland Center will stand at 636 meters tall with six floors underground and 120 above ground after construction is complete, according to Xinhua.

Wuhan Greenland Center in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. /VCG Photo

It will be the tallest skyscraper in China and the second tallest building in the world behind Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The construction started in 2011 and is expected to complete in 2019.

The skyscraper will integrate the functions of five-star hotels, high-end shopping malls, top-class office buildings and apartments.

No.2 Shanghai Tower

With 137 stories and 632 meters tall, the Shanghai Tower includes a commercial space, five-star hotel, exhibition and conference halls, and recreational facilities. The construction began in 2008 in the commercial center of Lujiazui in Pudong New Area.

The Shanghai Tower is not merely a concrete "giant" since it has its soul. The Shanghai government began to think about how to create a cultural harbor while building a landmark from the very beginning.

Shanghai Tower in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China. /VCG Photo

Since April, the Shanghai Tower has held many exhibitions on culture and history. It is also planning a cultural construction project called "Shanghai City Memory" to let the audience experience the "city memory" through pictures, music and videos.

Outside of the Shanghai Center podium, there is a glass glory wall with the names of 4,216 designers and construction workers to give tribute to those heroes.

No.3 Goldin Finance 117

The Goldin Finance 117, currently under construction in north China's Tianjin Municipality, is expected to be 597 meters tall with 117 stories once it's finalized.

The tower will comprise villas, residential buildings, offices, hotels, convention center, entertainment center, polo club and green spaces.

Goldin Finance 117 in Tianjin Municipality. /VCG Photo

The giant is designed with a unique diamond-shape crown at the top, with sky gardens included in the design of the top floors.

There will be an observation deck on top for tourists as well, which will become an ideal place for visitors to appreciate the city's skyline.

No. 4 Ping An International Finance Center

Ping An International Finance Center, also known as the Ping An IFC, is China's fourth tallest building located at Futian CBD in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. With a height of 599 meters, this skyscraper has taken over the city's tallest building.

Originally designed as a 660-meter-tall building, the final height of the Ping An International Finance Center was reduced to under 600 meters in order to ensure aviation safety.

View of Ping An International Finance Center. /VCG Photo

The Free Sky Observation Deck, also known as the sightseeing floor, located on the 116th floor of this building, combines not only sightseeing but also entertainment and cultural creativity, making this skyscraper a new must-see tourist attraction in Shenzhen. In addition, you could head to the nearby Coco Park Shopping Mall, one of the city's popular shopping malls for shopping after visiting the building.

No. 5 Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre

Guangzhou CTF Finance center, also known as the Canton East Tower, is a landmark tower lying across from the Canton Tower. The 530-meter construction was built in 2016 and has been ranked as the tallest building in Guangzhou City.

Aerial view of Guangzhou CTF Finance centre. /VCG Photo

With 66 office floors, 11 hotel floors, a ballroom and many meeting rooms, this building is a mixed-use development in the city's Central Business District (CBD).

In particular, a number of efficient tools were used in a bid to reduce its environmental footprint, making it one of the greenest buildings in China.

No. 6 China Zun Tower

China Zun Tower stands at 528 meters high and is located in Beijing's central business district (CBD). Officially known as "CITIC Tower," this tower is still under construction but has already been considered as one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the city.

China Zun Tower at dusk. /VCG Photo

The CBD houses more than 20 other tall buildings but China Zun Tower is the most iconic.

As its appearance suggests, China Zun Tower's shape draws inspiration form the Chinese ancient artifact "Zun." The waist of the building is obviously thinner than the bottom and the top, and the vertical form is curved inward. In addition, when comparing it to a tapering tower, China Zun Tower's curving form offers more prime floor space for tenants in the upper floors.

(Cover: Beijing CBD. /VCG Photo)