Shanghai Tower, a marvel of modern architecture and engineering, stands tall in the heart of Shanghai, China. It is the second tallest building in the world and a symbol of innovation and sustainability.
Dear Lykkers, here are nine fascinating facts about this iconic structure:
Fact 1: A Tower Built with Billions
Shanghai Tower cost an estimated $2.4 billion to construct.
This massive financial investment came from a combination of shareholders, bank loans, and support from Shanghai's municipal government. To put it into perspective, this cost surpasses the $1.5 billion spent on the Burj Khalifa.
Fact 2: An Unparalleled Height
The tower rises to an astonishing 632 meters (2,073 feet) with 128 stories.
This makes it the tallest building in China and the second tallest globally. The structure boasts a total floor area of 380,000 square meters (4,090,000 square feet), surpassing even the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower in Mecca, which stands at 601 meters (1,971 feet).
Fact 3: Record-Breaking Elevators
Shanghai Tower holds the record for the longest single elevator travel at 578.5 meters (1,898 feet).
Its elevators, installed in 2014, were also the fastest of their kind at the time. Single-deck elevators travel at 18 meters (59 feet) per second, while double-deck elevators move at 10 meters (33 feet) per second. These cutting-edge features cement the tower’s place as a global engineering marvel.
Fact 4: A Decade of Dedication
Construction began in November 2008 and was completed in September 2015, spanning seven years.
The tower officially opened in November 2015 after obtaining all necessary safety certifications.
Fact 5: A Sky-High Hotel
Shanghai Tower houses the world’s second highest hotel, featuring 258 luxurious rooms.
Only the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong surpasses it in altitude. The hotel within the tower offers breathtaking views and unparalleled experiences for its guests.
Fact 6: A Green Masterpiece
The tower incorporates groundbreaking sustainable design features.
Its 120-degree twist reduces wind loads by 24%, allowing for a 25% reduction in construction materials compared to a conventionally designed tower of similar height. This innovative approach saved approximately $58 million in material costs. The tower is also designed to withstand typhoon winds, further showcasing its resilience.
Fact 7: A City in the Sky
Shanghai Tower can accommodate about 16,000 people daily.
This makes it a bustling hub of activity, offering office spaces, retail shops, observation decks, and other amenities to thousands of visitors and occupants.
Fact 8: Daredevil Climbers
In February 2014, two climbers illegally scaled the tower to its peak.
Their unauthorized ascent was captured on video, amassing over 47 million views on YouTube. This daring feat highlighted the tower’s allure and global fascination, albeit under risky circumstances.
Fact 9: Powered by Wind
The tower uses 270 wind generators to power its external lights.
This eco-friendly approach aligns with the tower's sustainable design philosophy, reinforcing its status as a leader in environmentally conscious architecture.
Shanghai Tower remains a testament to human ambition and engineering excellence, standing as a beacon of progress in Shanghai's ever-evolving skyline. While taller structures are on the horizon, this iconic building will continue to inspire awe for years to come.
