The Regent International Center in Hangzhou, China, is the world's most densely populated apartment complex, with some flats renting for as little as £167 a month - but the cheapest units come without windows.
Windowless flats and cramped conditions
YouTuber Where to Next reports that some compact flats are available for approximately 1,500RMB monthly (£167.58). Properties on the market at that rate lack windows, while more spacious units with balconies can cost 4,000RMB monthly (£446.88).
In some apartments the content creator views, dining tables have room for just one person, and wallpaper is peeling away in others. Given how small some units are, there is limited privacy and "you get the feeling you're being watched the whole time."
Subdivided flats and building amenities
The YouTuber travelled to view one of the thousands of flats within the complex. While he was taken with the panorama from the balcony, it swiftly emerged that the reasonably-sized flat he was inspecting would actually be subdivided into six separate units.
The development, constructed in 2013, provides numerous amenities enabling residents to conduct their everyday activities. It features grocery shops, eateries, grooming parlours, internet cafes, swimming pools, fitness centres and retail outlets. In theory, inhabitants can manage their entire daily routine without stepping outside the building.
Tower's scale and history
The structure rises to an enormous 675ft in height, spanning 39 storeys, and can be home to up to 20,000 people. The building was initially intended to be a luxury hotel and retains characteristics you'd anticipate in an upmarket hotel, such as an elaborate lobby. The architect was Alicia Loo, who also created the renowned Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
For years, Regent International earned its reputation as Hangzhou's influencer hub, serving as the heart of livestream e-commerce presenters and digital content producers. However, as larger studio agencies relocated to purpose-built tech parks across the city, numerous influencers departed from the tower.
Reputation management
One inhabitant explained the district genuinely flourished when Hangzhou played host to the G20 summit a decade ago. Piao Pu told Sixth Tone: "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."
Locals are reportedly becoming more conscious of the Regent's standing, not only within China, but across the globe - to such an extent that the building's homeowners association has enlisted a public relations firm to enhance the Regent's reputation. One member is reported to have said: "We want reporting that reflects the facts, so people can see what the real Regent is actually like."
