When it comes to soaring architecture, no city does it better than Hong Kong. In fact, it leads the world with 657 skyscrapers including six supertalls.
But which other cities have the most skyscrapers? Here are The 10 cities with the most skyscrapers:.. (Note: skyscrapers are defined as buildings taller than 150 m / 492 ft)..
1. Hong Kong
With a skyline that includes the world's tallest building, the iconic IFC and Two International Finance Centre, Hong Kong has no shortage of impressive structures. The city has experienced two major construction booms, with buildings like the One Island East and Nina Tower I taking advantage of new trends in high-rise design.
With no room for sprawling development on its flat, inland terrain, Hong Kong is known for its high-rises and sprawling cityscape. Its latest boom has included many projects that rise above 200 m (656 ft) due to a growing demand for office space.
The soaring Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, which is set to become the world's second-tallest building, and the soaring Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur are among this region's other architectural marvels. These gleaming engineering masterpieces have captured the public imagination and redefined city skylines worldwide.
2. New York City
As the birthplace of skyscrapers, the Big Apple is known for a cityscape that’s both iconic and ever-changing. NYC offers awe-inspiring views from spots like the Brooklyn Bridge or 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Art buffs can take in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s modern masterpieces and the Whitney Museum of American Art’s contemporary works.
The city also has several buildings that have held the title of world’s tallest building, including the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, which were both constructed during the Great Depression. The most recent addition to the New York skyline is the Hudson Yards Building, formerly known as One57.
Here, you can enjoy sweeping views from its observation decks or explore the interior, which features a luxury restaurant and condominiums. Be sure to check out the Observation Lounge at its top floor for an unforgettable experience.
3. Chicago
Known as the birthplace of skyscrapers, Chicago is home to a stunning array of tall buildings. The city's first skyscraper was the 10-story Home Insurance Building built in 1885, which set the stage for future architects who would use the innovative "Chicago skeleton" steel frame construction method.
Today, the Windy City is home to more than 100 skyscrapers that reach more than 300 feet high. Whether you are enjoying a delicious dinner with a view or shopping at a local luxury store, there is always something new to see in this spectacular city.
Melbourne currently has 25 skyscrapers under construction, which is more than any other city in Australia. These new structures are being constructed to accommodate the growing demand for inner-city apartment living. The city is also taking advantage of relaxed planning laws that are allowing developers to build higher than ever before.
4. Shenzhen
Shenzhen is one of the most populated cities in the world and it has 262 skyscrapers above 150 meters (492 ft). The city’s plethora of tall structures can be partly credited to Deng Xiaoping’s decision to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in 1980.
Among the most famous skyscrapers in Shenzhen is the Shenzhen Energy Mansion. It was built in 1985 and features a unique wavy shape for both energy-saving performance and a graceful appearance. It is located near Metro Line 1 or 2 and can be reached by bus.
The Shenzhen of today bears all the hallmarks of a surging modern metropolis. Busy five-lane motorways weave through islands of glittering glass towers rising up from podiums lined with designer shops and fronted by vast squares and plazas activated by screen-savvy young professionals fueling Shenzhen’s booming tech economy.
5. Dubai
Dubai has a number of skyscrapers that are renowned for their architectural excellence. The Burj Khalifa, which is twice as tall as the Empire State Building, is one of these buildings.
Dubai is also home to many high-rises that are currently under construction. The Ciel Tower, Il Primo Tower, Regalia Tower, and Uptown Tower are some of these skyscrapers.
It's no surprise that Dubai has so many skyscrapers considering it's a city built on the principles of innovation and progress. The Dubai skyline is a sight to behold and is a testament to what humans are capable of when they work together. It's a must-see for anyone who's in the area. You can even go up the Burj Khalifa if you're interested! It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Click here to book your trip today!
6. Mumbai
The financial capital of India, Mumbai is a city with a number of skyscrapers. It ranks 17th in the world and 14th in Asia for tall buildings, with over 100 structures higher than 150 meters.
Most cities around the globe impose restrictions on height to prevent overcrowding and maintain population density. These regulations typically limit development to a certain floor space index, or FSI.
FSI is meant to protect the health of residents and reduce the cost of land per building. However, it can also stunt growth and prevent cities from becoming as architecturally stunning as others.
While India aims to loosened restrictions, developers still face challenges due to its zoning laws and the country’s economic and financial situation. A few of Mumbai’s skyscrapers include the upscale residential towers in Wadhwa 25 South A and Lokhandwala Minerva.
7. Shanghai
Like Shenzhen and Dubai, Shanghai has a skyline that reflects the city’s global economic status. The city is known for its skyscrapers and it’s iconic spherical Oriental Pearl Tower, which stands at around 1,700 feet high.
The city is famous for its modern skyscrapers that express the futuristic China vibe. Shanghai’s most impressive skyscrapers are located in the Lujiazui Financial District.
The Shanghai Tower, which is 632 meters tall with 128 floors and 106 elevators, has become the city’s new signature structure since it was completed in 2015. It will be joined by two more supertall buildings in 2024. These twin towers are dubbed the “Gate of Science” and will house research centers in areas like biomedicine and artificial intelligence. The buildings are designed by architectural firm SOM. The first skyscraper in the city to surpass 150 meters was built in 1988.
8. Shenyang
Shenyang’s skyline is made up of numerous high-rise buildings and towers. The Ping An Finance Center and Kingkey 100 are among the tallest structures in the city.
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It’s also where you’ll find Shenyang’s renowned night markets, and is well-known for its food and culture. Visitors to Shenyang can experience a range of northern China’s history, as well as the country’s diverse cuisine and people. A visit to Shenyang is also a great opportunity to see some of the region’s most impressive natural scenery, including Qipan Mountain. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of the city’s unique atmosphere.
9. Guangzhou
A soaring city with some of the best skyscrapers in the world, Guangzhou is where old and new China collide. From Zaha Hadid’s futuristic Opera House to the carved-box-like Canton Tower, this bustling metropolis offers cutting-edge architecture as well as ancient temples and pagodas.
The sprawling port city is home to a range of international fast food, ice cream and coffee chains such as Subway, McDonald’s and Starbucks. It also hosts the annual Canton Fair.
The definition of a skyscraper is a building that is at least 150 meters (492 feet) tall. The first steel-framed skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, was built as early as 1885. The newest addition to the city’s skyline is the doughnut-shaped Guangzhou Circle internet gallery designed by Joseph di Pasquale of Milan studio AM Project. The structure is slated to open in 2023.
10. Singapore
The world’s top cities are home to stunning skylines that are awe-inspiring. Featuring iconic architecture, they are the envy of urban planners.
The list consists of cities with the most skyscrapers (built after 1990 and above 150 m/492 ft tall). The height measurement excludes antenna masts.
Singapore is second in Southeast Asia with 122 buildings that rise above 150 m. However, unlike Bangkok and Jakarta, the city does not have any supertalls (buildings that exceed 300 m).
The first ‘supertall’ in Singapore will be 8 Shenton Way, a new office tower designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill that is set to open in 2028. The building will offer offices, hotel rooms and 34 floors of luxury apartments. The building is clad in a green façade, which is part of its biophilic design. It will also feature a four-story sky garden and a rooftop urban farm.
