Apart from the natural and historical attractions of each country, newly designed buildings with unique and beautiful architecture can also be considered among the tourist destinations. Skyscrapers, due to their astonishing architecture, have become significant landmarks attracting visitors.
Burj Khalifa, UAE
Shanghai Tower, China
Makkah Royal Clock Tower, Saudi Arabia
Ping An Finance Centre, China
Lotte World Tower, South Korea
One World Trade Center, USA
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, China
CITIC Tower, China
Taipei 101, Taiwan
Shanghai World Financial Center, China
International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong
Lakhta Center, Russia
Vincom Landmark 81, Vietnam
Changsha IFS Tower T1, China
Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia
Burj Khalifa, UAE
The Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters. It was inaugurated in 2010 in Dubai and has 163 floors, built at a cost of $4.1 billion. From above, the "Y"-shaped design of the tower is visible, with the cross-section gradually decreasing as the height increases. This design is mainly used for hotels and residences, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Other benefits of this design include reducing wind forces, simplifying the structure, and enhancing stability.
The Burj Khalifa consists of office spaces, residences, hotels, restaurants, and an observation deck. The At.mosphere restaurant and several other dining venues in the Armani Hotel offer a diverse culinary experience. The Burj Khalifa Lounge, located on floors 152, 153, and 154, is the highest lounge in the world, ideal for breakfast, tea, and drinks with unforgettable views.
The "At The Top" observation deck, situated on floors 124 and 125 at 452 meters, features an open-air terrace. Additionally, the "At The Top SKY" deck on floor 148 at 555 meters was opened in 2014, providing an unparalleled experience for visitors.
The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. Located in Shanghai’s financial district, this 632-meter skyscraper has become a major tourist attraction, generating significant revenue and boosting the city's economy. From the 119th floor, the city appears like a miniature model with towering skyscrapers and roads.
Completed in 2015 and officially opened in 2016, the Shanghai Tower consists of 9 cylindrical structures stacked on top of each other, encased in a double-glass façade. These sections provide public spaces, gardens, cafes, and shops with stunning panoramic city views. The tower features 320 hotel rooms, retail spaces, restaurants, cafes, and an observation deck. It can accommodate up to 16,000 people at once.
China is known for breaking world records, and the 128-story Shanghai Tower holds many, including being the world’s most eco-friendly skyscraper. The tower's 200 wind turbinesgenerate about 10% of its electricity, while rainwater collection and wastewater recyclingfurther enhance sustainability. The building also features a hybrid heating and cooling systemand 40 energy-saving innovations.
The Shanghai Tower also houses the world’s highest restaurant and one of the world’s highest swimming pools, located on floor 84 at 393 meters, as part of the Four Seasons Hotel.
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower, also known as Abraj Al Bait Towers, is a government-owned skyscraper with cultural and religious significance in Saudi Arabia. It is among the top 10 tallest skyscrapers in the world, standing at 601 meters with 120 floors.
Located near Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world, this tower was built to accommodate pilgrims and modernize Mecca. Construction began in 2004 and was completed in 2012. It features residential apartments, a 5-star hotel, a conference center, a massive prayer hall (for over 10,000 worshippers), a 5-story shopping mall, parking for 1,000 vehicles, a museum, and a moon observation center.
While the Makkah Clock Tower is the third tallest building in the world, it holds the record for the largest clock face, measuring 43 x 43 meters, designed by a German architect and illuminated by 2 million LED lights.
The complex consists of seven towers, with the central clock tower being the tallest, reaching 601 meters. The other six towers, named Hajar, Zamzam, Maqam, Qibla, and Marwah, range from 200 to 300 meters with 42 to 48 floors each.
Located in Shenzhen, China, the Ping An Finance Centre was completed in 2017. Originally planned to be 660 meters, height restrictions due to the nearby Shenzhen Airport reduced it to 599 meters with 115 floors.
Construction began in 2009, but in 2013, work was halted due to concerns over low-quality materials. After inspections confirmed structural integrity, construction resumed. The building reached 443 meters in 2014, surpassing all other buildings in Shenzhen. By 2015, a 60-meter spire was removed due to flight safety regulations.
This $1.5 billion project includes office spaces, shopping areas, and conference halls. A 20-floor hotel sits beneath the Sky Observation Deck on the 116th floor, which opened to the public in 2018 at a height of 541 meters.
The Lotte World Tower is South Korea’s tallest building and the fifth tallest in the world, standing at 555 meters with 123 floors. Located near the Han River in Seoul, it is a multi-purpose complex with retail stores, residences, a luxury hotel, office spaces, an observation deck, and entertainment areas.
After 13 years of planning, construction was completed in 2015, and the tower officially opened on April 11, 2017. The building’s unique tapered design makes it a symbol of Seoul’s skyline. Inspired by traditional Korean ceramics, the glass façade gives it a distinct look.
The LEED Gold-certified structure incorporates eco-friendly designs, including solar panels, wind turbines, shading devices, and water collection systems.
Standing at 541 meters, the One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth tallest in the world. Built on the site of the original World Trade Center, it was designed by David Childs and opened in 2014.
The tower's 541-meter height (1,776 feet) is symbolic, referencing the year of American independence. The steel structure was completed in 2012, and its 124-meter spire was installed in 2013.
The design features a cubic base similar to the Twin Towers, transitioning into eight triangular sections, forming a crystal-like shape that reflects light throughout the day. The observation deck, opened in 2015, is located at 381 meters, offering stunning views of New York City.
These are just some of the tallest and most iconic skyscrapers around the world, each representing architectural innovation, economic strength, and cultural significance.
