China’s ‘Dystopian Apartment’ Goes Viral, Raises Questions About Future of Urban Living
HANGZHOU, CHINA – A massive residential complex in China, dubbed the “Dystopian Apartment” by social media users, has captured global attention after a TikTok video showcasing the building’s scale went viral. With the capacity to house up to 30,000 people, the structure has sparked both awe and debate over the future of high-density urban living.
The video, posted by TikTok user @fatheristheone, features drone footage of the building and has amassed millions of views. Many viewers were astonished not only by the building’s sheer size but also by its design and self-sufficient infrastructure.
A City Within a Building
Known as Regent International, the complex is located in Hangzhou’s Qianjiang Century City, a central business district in eastern China. The building, designed by Alicia Loo—chief designer of Singapore’s luxury Marina Bay Sands Hotel—was completed in 2013.
Standing 675 feet tall, Regent International features between 36 and 39 floors depending on the wing. It is currently home to around 20,000 residents, with space for significantly more, making it one of the most densely populated residential buildings in the world.
What sets the complex apart is its extensive internal amenities. The building includes restaurants, grocery stores, swimming pools, internet cafes, and salons, allowing residents to access nearly all essential services without leaving the premises.
Innovation or Isolation?
While the building’s convenience is widely praised, it has also raised concerns. Critics refer to it as a “dystopian” model, citing worries about limited personal space, lack of outdoor access, and the psychological effects of hyper-dense living.
Although residents are not confined to the building, the self-contained nature of the complex means that some rarely step outside. However, many residents are young professionals, students, and influencers, drawn by the building’s affordability and convenience. Monthly rent ranges from 1,500 RMB ($200 USD) to 4,000 RMB ($600 USD), a relatively low cost in a major urban area.
A Model for the Future?
The Regent International’s design has sparked discussion among urban planners and housing advocates, particularly amid growing housing shortages in cities around the world. Some see it as a potential model for sustainable, space-saving urban development, particularly in areas with limited land availability.
A similar concept already exists in Whittier, Alaska, where nearly the entire population of about 272 residents lives in a single 14-story building, which also houses a school, post office, and grocery store.
Divided Opinions
While some experts praise the building’s efficient use of space and integrated services, others are concerned about its social and environmental implications. Questions remain about residents’ access to nature, long-term mental health outcomes, and the societal impact of such dense living conditions.
Nevertheless, the building continues to operate successfully and remains popular with tenants.
As the global population grows and urban housing pressures mount, developments like Regent International could become more common. Whether they represent a bold solution or a cautionary tale remains to be seen.
Would you live in a building like Regent International? Share your thoughts with us.
Sources
- “Dystopian.” Merriam Webster
- “This Colossal Apartment Building Is Home to Around 20,000 People.” Oddity Central. Spooky. June 14, 2023.
- “Inside ‘dystopian’ apartment block where its 20,000 residents never need to go outside.” Unilad Callum Jones. February 6, 2024.
- “TOWER TOWN Inside the Chinese town under ONE roof with 20,000 crammed into dystopian flat block where you never need to go outside.” The Sun. Tom Malley. February 5, 2024.