One Chinese city built more skyscrapers in 2016 than the U.S. and Australia combined

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

China added an impressive 84 skyscrapers (towers over 650 feet) to its skyline in 2016, setting a record for the nation. But the real prize goes to the so-called Silicon Valley of China, which built 11 new towers.

Shenzen, a city in southern China populated by seven million people, saw more skyscrapers completed in 2016 than the US and Australia combined (seven in the U.S. and two in Australia).

Less than 20 years ago, Shenzhen was little more than a pit stop on travelers’ way to Hong Kong. Today, it’s a glittering financial center known for electronics and manufacturing. Shenzhen has been compared to Silicon Valley since it’s home to Chinese tech giants like Huawei and Tencent, as well as the country’s hottest real estate market.

Three towers in Shenzhen made it into the top 20 tallest buildings of 2016:

The Shenzhen CFC Changfu Centre, also known as Chang Fu Jin Mao Tower, is an office building that soars 998 feet. Its neighbors come nowhere close.

Riverfront Times Square, is a mixed-use office and hotel development that stands 961 feet. Its pagoda-like silhouette marks a departure from a recent architectural trend in China that emphasizes sleek and modern design.

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Rounding out the top 20 tallest buildings list is China Chuneng Tower, a 947-foot-tall office building. Its metal lattice makes it a little bit of a bore.

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

Riverfront Times Square, is a mixed-use office and hotel development that stands 961 feet. Its pagoda-like silhouette marks a departure from a recent architectural trend in China that emphasizes sleek and modern design.

Marshall Gerometta and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

Marshall Gerometta and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

Rounding out the top 20 tallest buildings list is China Chuneng Tower, a 947-foot-tall office building. Its metal lattice makes it a little bit of a bore.

Thomas Jaehndel and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

Thomas Jaehndel and Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat

China has topped this list, created by the US-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, for nine years in a row. The construction boom shows no signs of slowing down, with 328 skyscrapers under construction in 2017, Quartz reports.