The Regent International Center in Hangzhou, China, is the world's most populous apartment block, with as many as 20,000 people living in the single structure. Built in 2013, the 675-foot-tall, 39-story building offers a range of amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, grooming services, internet cafes, swimming pools, gyms, and shops.
Residents Can Live Without Leaving
Theoretically, residents can go about their daily lives without ever leaving the building, a feature that proved useful during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. The building often goes viral as a symbol of dystopian megastructures, reminiscent of an episode of Black Mirror.
Originally planned as a luxury hotel, the Regent still boasts features like an ornate lobby. Its architect, Alicia Loo, also designed the famous Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
From Influencer Hub to Overcrowding Concerns
For many years, the Regent was known as Hangzhou's influencer building, serving as a hub for livestream e-commerce hosts and content creators. However, as larger studio agencies moved to dedicated tech parks, many influencers relocated.
A YouTuber from the channel Where to Next recently visited the building and discovered that a decent-sized apartment was being split into six separate units, aligning with rumors of overcrowding and safety hazards.
Rents and Resident Perspectives
Local news outlets report that some small apartments rent for around 1,500 RMB per month (£167.58), but these units lack windows. Larger properties with balconies can cost 4,000 RMB per month (£446.88).
One resident, Piao Pu, told Sixth Tone that the area took off after Hangzhou hosted the G20 summit a decade ago: "In a very short time, that section of Benjing Avenue in front of the Regent had been completed, the surrounding area was beautifully landscaped, and the population was growing. That’s when I decided to buy a place there."
Managing Reputation
Residents are increasingly aware of the Regent's global reputation. The building's homeowners association has appointed a public relations firm to improve its image. One member reportedly said: "We want reporting that reflects the facts, so people can see what the real Regent is actually like."
