The World’s Tallest Buildings; Ranked from #20 to #1
The world’s skyline has transformed dramatically over the past few decades, with towering structures pushing the boundaries of architectural design, engineering, and imagination. From shimmering glass facades to twisting spires that touch the clouds, the tallest buildings are more than just marvels of height—they symbolize innovation, cultural significance, and economic power. Let us take you on a journey from the 20th tallest building to the undisputed number one, showcasing the features, stories, and impact of these awe-inspiring landmarks. Whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use, each building tells a unique tale of ambition and achievement that defines the cities they call home.
20. CITIC Plaza – Guangzhou, China (1,283 feet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CITIC_Plaza
Completed in 1997, CITIC Plaza stands 391 meters (1,283 feet) tall and remains one of Guangzhou’s most iconic landmarks. With its neo-futuristic design and 80 floors, this office tower plays a central role in the city’s bustling business district. A marvel of 1990s engineering, CITIC Plaza combines modern elegance with functionality, featuring state-of-the-art office spaces and facilities. Its sleek glass façade reflects the vibrant energy of Guangzhou, cementing its status as a prominent part of the city’s skyline.
19. 23 Marina – Dubai, UAE (1,289 feet)
https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/dubai/23-marina/247
Rising 392.8 meters (1,289 feet) into the Dubai skyline, 23 Marina is a towering symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Completed in 2012, this residential skyscraper boasts 88 floors, featuring opulent duplex apartments equipped with private elevators and swimming pools. The building’s sleek design and modern architectural flair make it a standout in Dubai Marina, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and the surrounding cityscape. Known for its amenities and elegant finishes, 23 Marina epitomizes the pinnacle of contemporary urban living.
18. Zifeng Tower – Nanjing, China (1,476 feet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zifeng_Tower
Rising 450 meters (1,476 feet), the Zifeng Tower is an iconic landmark in Nanjing, China. Completed in 2010, this sleek and modern skyscraper integrates office spaces, a hotel, and observation areas across its 66 floors. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower’s elegant, tapering form reflects both functionality and beauty. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Nanjing and the surrounding Yangtze River basin from its observation deck. Zifeng Tower stands as a testament to Nanjing’s rich history and its growing significance as a modern economic center.
17. The Exchange 106 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1,489 feet)
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The Exchange 106, soaring 454 meters (1,489 feet) into the sky, is a symbol of Kuala Lumpur’s rapid economic progress. Completed in 2019, this impressive skyscraper features a sleek glass façade and houses premium office spaces tailored for international businesses and corporations. Strategically located in the Tun Razak Exchange financial district, it represents Malaysia’s ambition to become a global financial hub. The Exchange 106 is crowned with a stunning illuminated cap that makes it a striking presence on the Kuala Lumpur skyline, day or night.
16. Landmark 81 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (1,513 feet)
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Landmark 81, soaring to an impressive height of 461.2 meters (1,513 feet), is a symbol of Vietnam’s rapid modernization. Completed in 2018, its unique design, inspired by bamboo shoots, reflects resilience and growth. This mixed-use skyscraper houses luxury apartments, a high-end hotel, retail spaces, and an observation deck offering panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City. Landmark 81 stands as a testament to Vietnam’s architectural ambition and is a striking centerpiece of the city’s skyline.
15. Lakhta Center – St. Petersburg, Russia (1,516 feet)
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The Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg is a stunning architectural achievement, rising 462 meters (1,516 feet) above ground. Completed in 2018, this twisting, glass-covered tower serves as the headquarters for Gazprom and incorporates advanced energy-efficient technology. Its unique spiraling design reduces wind resistance while providing a futuristic aesthetic. As Europe’s tallest building, the Lakhta Center is a symbol of innovation and modernity on the banks of the Gulf of Finland.
14. Central Park Tower – New York, USA (1,550 feet)
https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/central-park-tower/14269
Central Park Tower, completed in 2020, rises to a height of 472 meters (1,550 feet) and is the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere. Nestled along Manhattan’s Billionaires’ Row, this architectural marvel features ultra-luxurious apartments offering sweeping views of Central Park and the New York skyline. The tower’s refined design and state-of-the-art amenities, including a private club and swimming pool, make it a pinnacle of urban sophistication and modern luxury.
13. International Commerce Centre (ICC) – Hong Kong (1,588 feet)
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At 484 meters (1,588 feet), the International Commerce Centre is one of Hong Kong’s defining skyscrapers. Completed in 2010, this multi-use tower integrates luxury hotels, world-class office spaces, and the Sky100 observation deck, which provides awe-inspiring views of Victoria Harbour. The ICC is a central hub for business and tourism, standing as a symbol of Hong Kong’s economic dynamism and cosmopolitan charm.
12. Shanghai World Financial Center – Shanghai, China (1,614 feet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_World_Financial_Center
The Shanghai World Financial Center, completed in 2008, soars to 492 meters (1,614 feet). Its striking trapezoidal cut-out at the top reduces wind pressure and has earned it the nickname “The Bottle Opener.” Designed as a multi-use complex, it houses offices, a luxury hotel, and observation decks with sweeping views of Shanghai’s vibrant skyline. The tower’s bold, modern design reflects the city’s position as a global financial hub.
11. TAIPEI 101 – Taipei, Taiwan (1,667 feet)
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TAIPEI 101, completed in 2004, rises 508 meters (1,667 feet) and remains an architectural masterpiece. Designed to resemble a bamboo stalk, the structure symbolizes strength, resilience, and growth, deeply rooted in traditional Asian culture. Known for its world-record-breaking elevators, TAIPEI 101 offers visitors a thrilling journey to observation decks that provide sweeping views of Taipei. The tower’s innovative design and cultural significance have solidified its place as one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers.
10. CITIC Tower – Beijing, China (1,732 feet)
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CITIC Tower, also known as “China Zun,” reaches 528 meters (1,732 feet) and was completed in 2018. Its unique shape, inspired by an ancient Chinese wine vessel, creates a harmonious balance of tradition and modernity. Serving as Beijing’s tallest building, it houses offices and observation spaces, offering stunning views of the capital city.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre – Tianjin, China (1,740 feet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin_CTF_Finance_Centre
Completed in 2019, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre rises 530 meters (1,740 feet). Its smooth, twisting design minimizes wind resistance while creating a striking visual statement. The mixed-use skyscraper includes luxury apartments, a hotel, and high-end office spaces. It stands as a testament to modern engineering and Tianjin’s growing economic prominence.
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre – Guangzhou, China (1,740 feet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangzhou_CTF_Finance_Centre
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre reaches 530 meters (1,740 feet) and was completed in 2016. Known for its terracotta and glass exterior, the building combines sustainability with aesthetic appeal. It houses offices, residential units, and a luxury hotel, with observation decks offering panoramic city views. The skyscraper’s design and energy-efficient features reflect Guangzhou’s modern architectural ambitions.
7. One World Trade Center – New York, USA (1,776 feet)
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One World Trade Center, standing 541 meters (1,776 feet) tall, was completed in 2014 as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. Its height—1,776 feet—pays tribute to the year of American independence. The building’s sleek design and advanced safety features make it one of the most secure skyscrapers in the world. One World Trade Center stands proudly as an architectural and cultural landmark in Lower Manhattan.
6. Lotte World Tower – Seoul, South Korea (1,819 feet)
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The Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest building, reaches 555 meters (1,819 feet) into the sky. Completed in 2016, the structure’s sleek and tapered design draws inspiration from Korean ceramics, blending tradition with modern sophistication. This mixed-use tower includes luxury residences, offices, retail spaces, and the Seoul Sky observation deck, which offers unparalleled views of the city. As a testament to South Korea’s cultural heritage and innovation, the Lotte World Tower is a true architectural icon.
5. Ping An Finance Centre – Shenzhen, China (1,965 feet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ping_An_Finance_Centre
Ping An Finance Centre, completed in 2017, rises 599 meters (1,965 feet) in Shenzhen. This sleek, tapering tower serves as a hub for business and commerce, housing offices, retail spaces, and a luxury hotel. With its innovative engineering and iconic spire, the tower stands as a beacon of Shenzhen’s rapid economic growth.
4. Makkah Royal Clock Tower – Mecca, Saudi Arabia (1,971 feet)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clock_Towers
Standing at 601 meters (1,971 feet), the Makkah Royal Clock Tower, completed in 2012, is a towering symbol of religious and architectural significance. Dominating Mecca’s skyline, it features a clock face over 40 meters in diameter, visible to pilgrims across the holy city. Inside, the tower includes hotels, residences, and prayer spaces, serving as a key hub for visitors to the Grand Mosque. Its Islamic design and monumental scale make it one of the most unique skyscrapers in the world.
3. Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China (2,073 feet)
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Shanghai Tower, completed in 2015, stands as China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Its twisting, spiral design not only creates a visually stunning appearance but also reduces wind loads, improving energy efficiency. This architectural marvel houses office spaces, hotels, and retail areas, along with the world’s highest observation deck, offering unparalleled views of Shanghai’s skyline. Designed with sustainability in mind, Shanghai Tower incorporates advanced green technology, making it a benchmark for future skyscraper construction. It is a symbol of modern engineering, innovation, and Shanghai’s status as a global metropolis.
2. Merdeka 118 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2,227 feet)
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Standing at 678.9 meters (2,227 feet), Merdeka 118 is the second-tallest building in the world. Completed in 2023, its design resembles a raised hand, symbolizing unity and progress. This mixed-use tower includes residential, commercial, and observation spaces, offering breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur.
1. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE (2,717 feet)
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The Burj Khalifa is a marvel of modern engineering, rising 828 meters (2,717 feet) above Dubai’s skyline. Completed in 2010, it features luxury residences, office spaces, and attractions like the At the Top observation deck, which provides sweeping views of the city. As a symbol of Dubai’s innovation and ambition, the Burj Khalifa remains unmatched as the world’s tallest building.
Closing
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These structures are far more than concrete, steel, and glass. From Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the undisputed pinnacle of modern engineering, to other architectural wonders across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, these buildings have redefined skylines and created lasting icons of progress.
