Charted: Cities with the most skyscrapers

| Building castles in the sky

While they may not actually be castles, skyscrapers are architectural marvels nonetheless. With land becoming more scarce, cities globally are embracing the idea of building vertically. Since the first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was constructed in 1885, city skylines have been dramatically changing with the addition of taller and taller buildings. The United States may be the birthplace of the skyscraper, but China currently reigns as the champion of tall buildings. Chinese cities dominate the list of the top 25 cities with the most skyscrapers (>150m tall) and supertall buildings (>300m) globally. Let’s explore.

| Living and working in the clouds

Cities around the world are vying to create breathtaking urban landscapes, resulting in a race to the sky. From London to Dubai, New York to Shanghai, cranes dot the skyline as towers reach for new heights. This construction boom not only symbolizes architectural ambition but also showcases economic growth and urban development. With cutting-edge designs and state-of-the-art technologies, these skyscrapers embody human innovation and ingenuity. As the number of skyscrapers under construction continues to rise, the global skyline is being reshaped, reflecting an ever-evolving world.

| China in context

Perhaps no other country in the world has embraced building vertically as much as China. Rapid urbanization and economic growth have led to an explosion in the number of skyscrapers being erected in China’s largest cities and the its largest economic regions.

Chinese cities make up almost half the list with Hong Kong leading the way with an impressive 657 skyscrapers, including six super tall buildings. Two other Chinese cities, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are among the top five. Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are part of the Pearl River Delta, a dense network of cities that is home to more than 1,500 skyscrapers.

As more people move to urban centres, the skylines of China’s major cities and important economic regions will continue to be reshaped with the addition of new skyscrapers and supertall buildings. While there is a steady pipeline of projects globally, China has established itself as the unrivalled leader in the global skyscraper race - a position that is likely to remain unchallenged for years to come.

| They keep building higher

Chinese cities have undeniably emerged as frontrunners in the race towards the sky, leaving the rest of the world in awe of their architectural prowess. In an astonishing display of ambition and innovation, Chinese cities have built more skyscrapers than the rest of the world combined. This remarkable feat showcases China's determination to redefine urban landscapes and establish themselves as architectural powerhouses. From futuristic megastructures that seem to touch the heavens to iconic structures that pay homage to their rich cultural heritage, Chinese architects have proven time and time again that they can effortlessly marry modernity with tradition. With their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, Chinese cities have truly become beacons of architectural marvels that will continue to inspire and amaze generations to come.

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