Imagine walking into a single skyscraper that feels more like a city than a building. That’s the daily reality for over 20,000 residents of a massive S-shaped tower in Hangzhou, China. Standing 675 feet tall and housing more than 5,000 apartments, it is often described as the largest residential building in the world. Originally designed as a luxury hotel, it was later converted into a sprawling complex that now attracts students, professionals, and graduates searching for affordable housing in a prime location.
The variety of apartments is as striking as the scale itself. Options range from compact studios—some without windows—to larger multi-room units. Rents start at around 1,500 RMB ($210) for the smallest spaces and reach up to 4,000 RMB ($570) for larger homes. When compared to rents in cities like New York, London, or Tokyo, the affordability is remarkable, making it a popular choice for young renters looking to live close to work and study.
What truly sets the skyscraper apart, however, is its self-sufficiency. Inside, residents have access to supermarkets, hair salons, food courts, gyms, swimming pools, and even internet cafés—creating a space where nearly every daily need can be met without leaving the building. Each wing of the tower functions like its own neighborhood, giving the complex the feel of a “vertical city.”
The building’s unusual design has attracted global attention online, sparking fascination and debate. For some observers, it represents an innovative approach to urban living, while for others it seems like a glimpse into a dystopian future. For the people who live there, though, it is simply home: a blend of convenience, affordability, and scale that redefines what city living can look like.