The Regent International Center in Hangzhou, China, is the world's most populous apartment block, accommodating as many as 20,000 residents within a single structure. The colossal tower, completed in 2013, stands 675 feet tall and spans 39 storeys.
Amenities and design
The complex provides a range of amenities including grocery stores, restaurants, grooming services, internet cafés, swimming pools, gyms and retail outlets. In theory, residents can go about their daily lives without leaving the building, a feature that proved useful during Covid-19 lockdowns.
Originally conceived as a luxury hotel, the building retains upmarket features such as an ornate lobby. It was designed by architect Alicia Loo, who also created Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
Influencer hub and current conditions
For several years, Regent International was known as Hangzhou's influencer building due to its status as a hub for livestream e-commerce hosts and content creators. However, as larger studio agencies moved to purpose-built tech parks, many influencers left.
YouTuber Where to Next recently explored the building and found that a reasonably-sized flat was divided into six separate flats. This corresponds with reports of overcrowding and safety concerns.
Rents and reputation
Local news sources report that some compact flats are available for approximately 1,500 RMB per month (£167.58), but these lack windows. More spacious properties with balconies can cost 4,000 RMB per month (£446.88).
One resident, Piao Pu, told Sixth Tone that the area flourished when Hangzhou hosted the G20 summit a decade ago. Residents are reportedly becoming more conscious of the building's standing globally, and the homeowners association has hired a public relations firm to enhance its reputation. One member reportedly said: "We want reporting that reflects the facts, so people can see what the real Regent is actually like."
