Where is the Largest Tower in the World?

Incredibly tall towers are among the astonishing architectural accomplishments that dot the skylines of several cities around the world. Urban developers are always looking to stretch architectural limits by building taller buildings, whether for reasons of commercial utility, ego and fame, environmental concerns, or some combination. In fact, there seems to be a tendency for essential contests to match height and aesthetics among the builders of many of these towers. Their magnificence and sophistication bear testimony to the limitless nature of human ambition and creativity. The following are the 10 tallest towers worldwide, most of which lie within Asia, with 5 in China alone.

10. Zhongyuan Tower, China - 1,273 Feet

At position 10 on our ranking of the tallest towers in the world comes the Zhongyuan Tower. The tower is 1,273 feet high, which gives it a perfect advantage for serving as a communications and observation tower for all of Zhengzhou. The tower has a special place in the Guinness Book of World Records due to having the largest panoramic painting in the entire world, which features on the third and fourth floors of its impressive observation deck. The interior spaces of the tower are lavishly decorated with fabulous designs that combine a variety of cultural forms that influence and define modern China.

9. Central Radio & TV Tower, China - 1,347 Feet

Rising to a height of 1,347 feet, the Central Radio & TV Tower is ranked as the ninth tallest tower in the world. Initial construction of the tower began in 1987, and it was completed in 1992. Located in Beijing, China, this tower features a vantage observation deck at 781 feet and a revolving restaurant that allows guests to enjoy the panoramic expanse of a good deal of Beijing's architectural allure from above. The unique design and creative lighting of the tower are some of the distinguishing features of this modern marvel.

8. Tianjin Radio & TV Tower, China - 1,362 Feet

China's Tianjin Radio & TV Tower is placed at the eighth position among the tallest towers in the world. This tower is ranked at position eight on the list of the tallest freestanding structures across the globe as well. The structure stands erect at 1,362 feet and was completed in 1991 at a cost of $45 million USD (approximately $78 million in 2016). From a distance, the tower's height and size have a dwarfing effect on many of the other tall buildings that define Tianjin’s city skyline. In every sense, this tower has an exceptional aesthetic appeal that combines modernity and tradition in remarkable harmony.

7. Menara Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 1,379 Feet

The Menara Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is the world's seventh tallest tower. With a commanding height of 1,379 feet, this tower provides the clearest view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline in all of its beauty. The antenna of the tower goes up to 421 meters high, making it one of the tallest in the world. The building was completed in 1994 and is mainly used for communication, observation, and tourism purposes. Furthermore, Malaysians hold the tower in special regard because of its symbolic significance in the context of the country's cultural heritage.

6. Milad Tower, Iran - 1,427 Feet

The Milad Tower in the Iranian capital is uniquely designed with a height and style that stretches well beyond the normal Iranian standards of building construction heights. The tower is placed at position six among the 10 tallest towers worldwide. Moreover, the tower is placed at position 17 among the tallest freestanding structures across the globe. The 12 floors of the Milad Tower are utilized for various purposes, including commerce, telecommunication, dining, observation, and hotel rooms. The tranquility of Tehran's night-time is enhanced by the spectacular lighting that covers the entire height of the tower after dark.

5. Oriental Pearl Television Tower, China - 1,535 Feet

At an amazing height of 1,535 feet, the Oriental Pearl Television Tower in Shanghai, China stands well above many other skyscrapers with remarkable architectural flourishes to boot. The tower has 14 floors and 11 spheres, which are designed in a typical oriental style that fosters the impression of originality and stability. The tower was completed in 1994 and is widely used to house hotel rooms, dining, telecommunication services, and an observation center. The tower has a mesmeric appeal at night because of the array of multicolored LED sequences it displays.

4. Ostankino Tower, Russia - 1,772 Feet

Ostankino Tower is the fourth tallest tower worldwide and Europe's tallest free-standing structure. It is also the eighth tallest free-standing structure in the world. The 1,772 feet structure was built under the Soviet Union to commemorate the 1917 October Revolution's 50th Anniversary. The tower is used for radio and television broadcasts. The magnificence of the tower was meant to serve as a masterpiece in homage to the Soviet Union's architectural development. In some respects, the Ostankino tower is one of the greatest construction triumphs of Europe to this day.

3. CN Tower, Canada - 1,815 Feet

At number 3 on the list of the world's tallest towers is the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada. At the time of its completion in 1976, the building was widely considered to be the world's tallest tower and free-standing structure. It was not until more than three decades later that the building lost its ranking to the Canton Tower. In 1995, the American Society of Civil Engineers included the CN Tower on its list of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World. The building has 147 floors, which are used for various purposes including telecommunications, restaurant and observation. The tower was built at a cost of $63 million Canadian dollars in 1976 (approximately $177 million USD today accounting for inflation and exchange).

2. Canton Tower, China - 1,969 Feet

Canton Tower in China has ranked among our list of the 10 tallest towers worldwide for quite some time now. This tower goes up to a height of 1,969 feet and has 37 floors. For a time, this tower held the record of the tallest structure in the world. The building provides a vantage point location for astronomers, as well as sightseeing enthusiasts who wish to view the delighting scenes of Guangzhou from above. The Canton Tower is also listed at number 5 on the list of the tallest free-standing structures worldwide.

1. Tokyo Sky Tree, Japan - 2,080 Feet

The Tokyo Sky Tree in Japan rises skywards to an astonishing height of 2,080 feet. This tower is imposing and glamorous, with a facade that conveys both post-modern architecture and Japanese traditional forms. In terms of utility, the Tokyo Sky Tree is used as an observation tower, a broadcasting center, and houses world-class restaurants. The building has 29 floors and was completed in February of 2012 at a cost $806 million USD, or 65 billion Japanese Yen.