Imagine a home that had everything you needed in one place so you never needed to go outside.
That’s what life is like for at least 20,000 people in China.
In Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou’s central business district, is a colossal complex called the Regent International.
And the residents living there have everything they need inside the building leaving next to no point in going outside – besides probably a breath of fresh air.
The S-shaped building stands at 675ft tall and offers more than
260,000 square metres of space, making it one of the largest buildings in China.
Although the bustling complex can accommodate up to 30,000 residents, it currently houses around 20,000.
Depending on which side of the building you live on, there are a variety of amenities and businesses situated across 36 to 39 floors – just like you’d find in any average town.
This includes a massive food court, swimming pools, barber shops, nail salons, medium-sized supermarkets, and internet cafes.
You might be one of the many who sees this lifestyle being far too crammed and claustrophobic, but the blending of residential and recreational spaces under one roof has led some to label it ‘the most sustainable living building on Earth.’
It’s gaining attention on social media, with users amazed at its impressive size. One TikTok user showed the immensity of the building with drone footage.
Another TikToker showed a brief tour inside the building, pointing out a restaurant on the 32nd floor that accommodates the entire building.
Other social media users are speechless at the number of inhabitants it boards in one single building compared to their hometowns.
Designed by Alicia Loo, the chief designer of the world’s second seven-star hotel, the Singapore Sands Hotel, the building was initially intended to serve as a six-star hotel.
However, it’s since been transformed into thousands of apartments, becoming an iconic part of Hangzhou’s cityscape as a result.
It’s most convenient for graduates along with students who are about to graduate – both of which take up the majority of residency. Additionally, young working professionals, such as influencers and small business owners, are reportedly a common type of tenant.
If you’re curious about the rent of one of the blocks, small apartments without windows usually go for around 1,500 RMB (£167) per month, according to Chinese news agency Sin.
Whilst larger units with balconies can be rented for up to 4,000 RMB (£445) per month.
Could you imagine living here?