Step into the Regent International apartment building in Hangzhou, China, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a bustling microcosm. With an astonishing number of inhabitants, this colossal structure has transformed into a self-sustaining community, offering everything its residents need within its walls.
From high-end apartments to an array of amenities and businesses, the Regent International stands as a testament to urban living on an unprecedented scale. Originally conceived as a luxury hotel, the Regent International building underwent a remarkable metamorphosis to accommodate the growing demand for residential space. Designed by Alicia Loo, renowned for her work on the world’s second seven-star hotel, the Singapore Sands Hotel, this architectural marvel became a hotspot for young professionals, aspiring influencers, and small businesses.
Perched in Hangzhou’s vibrant central business district, the Regent International stretches 206 meters into the sky, flaunting its unique S-shaped design. Housing an impressive 36 to 39 floors (depending on the viewpoint), this towering structure boasts over 260,000 square meters of space, making it one of China’s largest apartment buildings.
Within its walls, an array of amenities cater to the diverse needs of its community. From a sprawling food court serving the masses to swimming pools, barber shops, nail salons, medium-sized supermarkets, and internet cafes, the Regent International offers a self-contained lifestyle where one can find everything they require without stepping outside.
The exact number of residents residing in this architectural marvel has sparked debates and discussions on Chinese social media. While estimates range from 11,000 to 22,000 individuals inhabiting the building at any given time, the true scale of this bustling microcosm continues to captivate the imagination.
In recent times, captivating images and videos of the Regent International have spread like wildfire across Western social media platforms. Audiences from around the world have marveled at the sheer magnitude of this community within walls, with some expressing awe that the building accommodates more people than their hometowns.
The Regent International serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the evolving landscape of modern cities while standing as a remarkable fusion of architectural prowess and the desire for a self-contained lifestyle within a thriving community.