Shenzhen, in southeastern China, is a modern metropolis that links Hong Kong to China’s mainland. It's known for its shopping destinations, including Luohu Commercial City, a massive mall with a vast array of wares, from tailors’ custom clothing to faux designer bags. The city also features contemporary buildings, such as the 600m-tall skyscraper Ping An International Finance Centre, and a number of amusement parks. Back in 1979 Shenzhen was a small border fishing villege of some 30,000 inhabitants that served as a customs stop into mainland China from Hong Kong tourists. That year, it was declared a special economic zone (SEZ)—i.e., one of several cities along the coast of China that were opened to foreign investment, technology, and managerial expertise through the establishment of foreign-owned, joint-venture, and other business enterprises without the prior approval of the central government. The fledgling city also received sizable loans from Chinese banks, which were used to build new roads, housing, schools, and water, power, and communications facilities for its burgeoning population. From 1980 the city grew at a phenomenal rate, as a tremendous amount of both domestic and foreign capital was invested there. Wages and standards of living in the special economic zone were significantly higher than the average in China, and vast numbers of workers and professionals flooded into it to work in factories that produced electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles, building materials, and processed foods. This phenomenal growth in the special economic zone likewise stimulated the surrounding agricultural area’s production of poultry, livestock, and vegetables. Shenzhen's metro population grew from 30,000 in 1979 to 13 million plus in 2024, it becomes the third most populous cities in China after Shanghai and Beijing. The rapid growth rate and success in this project prompted the Chinese government to convert several other coastal cities into special economic zones (SEZ) and to encourage modernization in different fields. Railways from Shenzhen stretch northwest to Guangzhou (Canton), north to Beijing, and east to Fujian province. Expressways also connect the city with Guangzhou as well as other coastal cities in the province. A sea bridge already connected Hong Kong to Shenzhen crossing the Deep Bay in NW Hong Kong. Another new 50-km sea bridge opened to traffic in July, 2024, connecting Shenzhen to Zhongshan crossing the Pearl River Delta. A major international airport and large seaport container terminals have been built on the city’s outskirts. Shenzhen has also founded its own universities and colleges, including Shenzhen...
Read moreThe Ping An International Finance Center (also known as the Ping An IFC) (Chinese: 平安国际金融中心) is a 115-story, 599 m (1,965 ft) supertall skyscraper in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.7] The building was commissioned by Ping An Insurance and designed by the American architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. It was completed in 2017,[1] becoming the tallest building in Shenzhen, the 2nd tallest building in China and the 4th tallest building in the world.[8 It also broke the record of having the highest observation deck in a building at 562 m (1,844 ft). Credit wekipedia The building is located within the Central Business District of Shenzhen in Futian. Its 18,931 square meter lot was purchased by Ping An Group via auction at a price of 1.6568 billion RMB on 6 November 2007. Design of the building began in 2008 with Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates providing the architectural design and Thornton Tomasetti providing structural design.[4] Its foundation stone was laid on 29 August 2009, and construction started in November the same year. China Construction First Building Group was hired as the general contractor to construct the building.[4]
On 15 March 2013, the construction process was temporarily halted, due to the suspected use of concrete made with unprocessed sea sand, which could corrode the steel structure. Construction resumed on the building after sample testing.
On the morning of 15 July 2014, upon a 10-meter-long steel column being lifted to place, the skyscraper exceeded 443.8 meters in height, surpassing the KK100 Tower to become the tallest building in Shenzhen.
The building topped out on 30 April 2015, and became the second tallest skyscraper in China at a height of 599 meters. The original plan was to add a 60-meter-long antenna atop the building to surpass the Shanghai Tower and become the tallest building in China. However, in February 2015, it was decided that the antenna would not top the tower due to the possibility that it might obstruct...
Read moreThe Ping'an International Financial Center is a modern skyscraper located in the heart of Shenzhen, China. This impressive building is a symbol of the city's rapid economic development and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive structures in the region.
One of the most striking features of the Ping'an International Financial Center is its architectural design. The building is sleek and modern, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that is truly stunning. The skyscraper is also notable for its height, standing tall over the city skyline and providing stunning views of Shenzhen and the surrounding area.
In terms of its function, the Ping'an International Financial Center serves as a hub for businesses and financial institutions, offering state-of-the-art facilities and services that support the growth and development of the local economy. The building is home to a wide range of offices, conference rooms, and other facilities, making it an ideal location for both small and large companies.
Another highlight of the Ping'an International Financial Center is the range of amenities and services available to visitors. The building is equipped with a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it an ideal destination for both business travelers and tourists alike.
Overall, the Ping'an International Financial Center is a remarkable example of modern architectural design and engineering. Whether you are looking to conduct business, enjoy the views, or simply admire this impressive structure, it is well worth a visit. I would highly recommend this building to anyone visiting Shenzhen and looking for a glimpse of the city's thriving economy and...
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