Shun Hing Square in Shenzhen (China) - the tallest steel building in China

Shun Hing Square, also known as the Di Wang Tower, is one of the most iconic buildings in Shenzhen, a metropolis in southern China. Although many new giants have appeared on the global skyscraper landscape since then, Shun Hing Square still stands out from the crowd with its impressive architecture and extraordinary history. Built in the late 1990s, the building was long one of the tallest in the world, and at one time surpassed all other structures in China and Asia.

However, Shun Hing Square is not just a collection of numbers and dry data - it is also a place that inspires admiration and inspiration. That is why in this article we will delve into its architectural details, the history of its construction, and what makes this building so special. Read on to learn the most important information, interesting facts and dimensions of this fascinating skyscraper.

History and context of the creation of Shun Hing Square

The 1990s were a period of intensive development and transformation for China. Shenzhen, as a special economic zone, attracted both investors and architects from all over the world who wanted to create modern, iconic structures. Among the many projects that appeared during this period, it was Shun Hing Square that stood out for its size and ambition.

Construction began in 1993 and was completed in 1996 – which in itself is an impressive achievement, considering the scale of the project. Interestingly, the skyscraper was built at an incredible speed: 4 floors were built in just 9 days. This incredible feat of engineering gave Shun Hing Square not only prestige but also symbolic significance as a testament to China's modernity and technological prowess.

At the time of its completion, Shun Hing Square was the tallest building in China and all of Asia. Although it was quickly overtaken by other skyscrapers, such as the Citic Plaza in Guangzhou, it was for some time the tallest building on the continent, which undoubtedly contributed to the development of Shenzhen's international image.

It is currently 25th on the list of the tallest buildings in Asia, giving way to the tallest Shanghai Tower, and the Ping An International Finance Centre, also located in Shenzhen.

Dimensions and structural data of Shun Hing Square

Shun Hing Square measures 384 meters including its antennas, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world, although many other structures have exceeded this height since its construction. The tower itself has 69 floors, which primarily house offices and luxury apartments. The building is serviced by 34 fast elevators, including modern, technologically advanced Mitsubishi elevators, which provide rapid transport to the highest floors.

The tallest steel building in China - Shun Hing Square proudly bears this title, as this structure is based entirely on steel, which distinguishes it from other skyscrapers, often built of concrete and glass. The skyscraper's external cladding is a mixture of glass and aluminum, which gives the building an elegant, futuristic look. The tower seems exceptionally slender, which results from its proportions - it has a relatively narrow base, and its facade is gently rounded, which adds to its modern character.

At the top of Shun Hing Square there are two turrets that hide window cleaning devices and two masts that give the building a characteristic look. They create a silhouette that is easily recognizable from other skyscrapers in Shenzhen.

Functions and purpose of the building

Shun Hing Square is not only a skyscraper that attracts tourists and photographers. It is also a business and residential center, which houses a wide range of office space, apartments and commercial spaces. On the lower floors of the building there is a shopping gallery, which has 5 floors and occupies a total area of ​​22,013 m². This is where residents and office workers can spend time shopping, using convenient elevators and escalators.

An important element of the building are the apartments, which attract wealthy residents. Located on the upper floors, the luxury apartments have an area of ​​68 to 200 m² and are equipped with modern furniture, security cameras and 24-hour security. Rents can go up to $65,000 per month, which shows how exclusive this address is.

Meridian View Center Observation Deck – An Oasis for Tourists

One of the most important points of Shun Hing Square, which attracts both tourists and locals of Shenzhen, is the observation deck located on the 69th floor. Called the Meridian View Center, it offers spectacular views of the city skyline and surrounding landscapes. From this height, you can admire Shenzhen from a completely new perspective, making this place a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Meridian View Center is not only a place to admire the views, but also a cultural and educational center, which hosts various exhibitions and events. It is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the history of Shenzhen and its dynamic development.

Fun facts about Shun Hing Square

The Shun Hing Square building has many interesting facts that set it apart from other skyscrapers. For example, its steel structure was completed at record speed – 4 floors were built in just 9 days, an extraordinary achievement on a global scale. It is also worth noting that Shun Hing Square was briefly the tallest building in China and all of Asia before the completion of Citic Plaza.

The building is also considered one of the most energy-efficient in the region, thanks to the modern technologies used in its construction. The materials used for the facade – glass and aluminum – are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also provide excellent thermal insulation.

Awards and Recognitions of Shun Hing Square

Although Shun Hing Square is not one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, it has won numerous awards and recognition in architectural circles for its innovative design and engineering achievements. One of its most important achievements was being awarded the title of the tallest steel building in China, which added prestige to the entire structure over the years. Its impressive height and rapid construction speed also attracted interest on the international stage, attracting the attention of organizations related to urban planning and architecture.

The building was recognized by the International Federation of Tall Buildings and Urban Planning (CTBUH), which recognized Shun Hing Square as one of the most impressive projects of the 1990s. It gained recognition for its efficient use of space, innovative construction technologies and its ability to blend harmoniously into the dynamically developing city of Shenzhen.

In addition, Shun Hing Square won several national construction awards in China for its environmental friendliness and the use of modern technological solutions that influenced its energy efficiency. It was also cited in Chinese trade publications as a model of modern architecture in the 1990s, when China was just beginning its era of spectacular high-rise buildings.

Movies and books featuring Shun Hing Square

Shun Hing Square has appeared in several films and literature, both Chinese and international, due to its distinctive silhouette and position in the center of the rapidly developing city. Although it is not as popular as the skyscrapers in Hong Kong or Dubai, the building has become an inspiration for filmmakers and writers looking for places that symbolize technological development and progress.

One of the more famous films featuring Shun Hing Square is the Chinese action film, where the building was used as a backdrop for dynamic chase scenes in the futuristic city. Its recognizable appearance, with its twin turrets at the top, perfectly matched the setting where the characters flee amidst the steel giants of Shenzhen. Although it was not a key location, its presence emphasized the modern nature of the city in which the action took place.

In literature, Shun Hing Square has appeared in several dystopian novels, in which skyscrapers act as symbols of power and corporate dominance. In one Chinese science fiction book, the building was described as the central office of a megacorporation ruling the city. The authors used its soaring form to emphasize the contrast between wealth and poverty, indicating that it is in such places that decisions are made that shape the fates of millions of people.

In addition, Shun Hing Square has also been photographed and immortalized in many architectural documentaries that explore the dynamic development of Chinese cities. A symbol of Shenzhen’s transformation, the building has become part of a larger narrative about China’s urban transformation, attracting the attention of not only filmmakers but also photographers and researchers.

Shun Hing Square may not feature in mainstream Hollywood productions, but its presence in local cinema and literature shows that it is a building that plays an important role in China’s cultural landscape, especially in the context of stories about the rapid development and modernization of Asian cities.

Summary

Shun Hing Square in Shenzhen is not only a monumental structure, but also a symbol of the development and modernity of this Chinese city. With its unique architecture, impressive dimensions, and rapid construction, the building has become a permanent fixture in the landscape of skyscrapers around the world. It is also an example of how modern technology can combine aesthetics with functionality, creating a space for both business and everyday life.

Whether you are a tourist looking to admire the views from the observation deck or a businessman looking for a prestigious office, Shun Hing Square has something for everyone.