World’s largest building opens in china

The mind-boggling numbers do not stop there. At three times the size of the Pentagon, the mega-building took just three years to complete, reports The Independent. It houses offices, a university complex, two five star hotels, a 14-screen IMAX cinema, a “Mediterranean village” and an ice skating rink large enough for international competitions.

Photo credit: Independent

400,000 square metres alone will be dedicated to shopping malls.

Its construction follows several years of countries vying for the title of tallest building and tallest tower. London’s Shard became the tallest tower in Europe in 2012, only for the Mercury City Tower in Moscow to overtake it in 2013. China’s building, though, has opted for an unrivalled world record.

Located in the Sichuan province of the country, the Century Global Center is officially the largest freestanding building on the planet and stands as a symbol of unprecedented growth in the area of Chengdu, argues the Sydney Morning Herald.

At the heart of the complex? A beach.

"This is an ocean city built by man," a guide told the Australian newspaper. "There will be 1000 rooms (in the hotel) and all will have seaside views."

The beach will boast an artificial sea, created in the middle of the building, alongside fountains, a water park and a pirate ship.

As for the sun, that will not be a problem.

"We have borrowed a Japanese technique. There will be an artificial sun that will shine 24 hours a day and allow for a comfortable temperature,” added the guide.

The horizon will be made up of a screen that 150 metres long and 40 metres high, broadcasting sunrises and sunsets for the 6,000 people the space can accommodate.

The building has been completed just in time for an international forum hosted by US magazine Fortune.