Imagine living in a building so enormous that you never have to step outside because everything you need is right there. Well, this is the reality for around 20,000 people in China.
Nestled in Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou’s bustling central business district, the Regent International complex stands as a marvel of modern living.
A Self-Sufficient Ecosystem
This extraordinary building boasts amenities and services that cater to nearly every need its residents might have, eliminating the necessity to go outside. From grocery shopping to a quick haircut, it’s all under one roof.
The building is designed to be the ultimate comfortable living space for its inhabitants—unless, of course, you’re craving a breath of fresh air.
Standing 675 feet tall and covering over 260,000 square meters, this S-shaped colossus is one of the largest residential buildings in China. It can house up to 30,000 people, offering a small city’s worth of amenities spread across its 36 to 39 floors.
Imagine a community that feels like a town but is stacked vertically. Everything you need, from a food court to swimming pools, nail salons, supermarkets, and even internet cafes, is readily available.
The sheer size and complexity of the Regent International have fascinated people worldwide, especially on social media. One TikTok user shared drone footage showcasing the building’s immensity, while another gave a brief tour, highlighting features like a restaurant on the 32nd floor that’s large enough to serve the whole building.
Designed by Alicia Loo, who also led the design for the world’s second seven-star hotel—the Singapore Sands Hotel—this building was initially planned as a six-star hotel. However, it was later repurposed into thousands of apartments and has since become an iconic fixture in Hangzhou’s landscape.
So, who calls this colossal building home? Predominantly, it’s students and recent graduates, but young professionals, including influencers and small business owners, also find it a convenient place to live.
Interestingly, the cost of living here is quite varied. Small windowless apartments can go for around 1,500 RMB (£167) a month, while larger units with balconies might set you back up to 4,000 RMB (£445) a month.
Would you consider living in a place like this? With everything you need located within reaching distance, it’s a unique experience that blends convenience and community in a way that few other places can match.
