The 12 Best City Skylines in Asia
Asian cities have recorded the fastest growth in the past century than any other continent in the world. Cities such as Dubai and Doha have grown from being small fishing villages to become major global cities. Majority of the Asian countries’ capital cities have some of the most beautiful skylines in the world due to the presence of lush greenery and the incorporation of traditional architectural designs to modern architecture.
12. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is home to one of the most beautiful skylines in Asia. The city has the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, surpassing even New York City and Dubai with Hong Kong being home to 317 skyscrapers (New York City has 265). The tallest of these is the 1,588-foot tall International Commercial Center. However, the true beauty of the city’s skyline is not best showcased by its numerous skyscrapers, but through The Symphony of Lights, a nightly light show that is the world’s largest of its kind.
11. Shanghai
Another city in Asia with an unbelievably picturesque skyline is Shanghai. The city is home to numerous imposing skyscrapers with Shanghai being the only city in Asia to have three skyscrapers which exceed 400 meters in height. Shanghai’s skyline has changed over the past 50 years as a testament to the thriving Shanghai economy and growing real estate market. The Shanghai Tower which rises 2,073 feet is the tallest skyscraper in the city and is also the tallest in the world based on the height of the usable floor. The skyline also features many other tall structures including the Oriental Pearl Tower, a communications tower which has a height of 1,535 feet.
10. Taipei
Taipei is the largest city and administrative capital of the island of Taiwan. The city sits in an area that covers 104.94 square miles and has a population of over 2.7 million people. Taipei has the highest number of skyscrapers in Taiwan. These skyscrapers in Taipei are world-famous for their architectural designs which merge traditional Chinese architecture with modern architecture. Some of the most popular skyscrapers in Taipei are Taipei 101 (the tallest in Taiwan), the Tuntex Sky Tower, and the Shin Kong Life Tower among many others.
9. Doha
When visiting Qatar, one cannot help but marvel at the beauty of its capital city Doha. The city is not only the largest city in Qatar but also among the most important in the Middle East. The city’s skyline is best viewed while at the waterfront of Doha Corniche. From this vantage point, one can see all the skyscrapers that make up Doha’s skyline. The highest skyscraper in Doha is the Aspire Tower which has a total height of 984 feet.
8. Seoul
South Korea’s capital city, Seoul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The reason behind the stunning beauty seen in Seoul is the incorporation of green scenery to the towering skyscrapers. Seoul is located in a mountainous region, and several mountains surrounding the city. The highest of these mountains is Bukhan Mountain which has an elevation of 2,744 feet. Some magnificent skyscrapers that make up the Seoul skyline are the Lotte World Tower (tallest skyscraper in Seoul), the Three IFC Office Tower, the Samsung Tower Palace, Mok Dong Hyperion, and the 63 Building. There are several spots around the city from where one can get the best view of the spectacular Seoul skyline including the Namsan Seoul Tower whose high observation deck provides the best view of the city’s skyline.
7. Tokyo
Tokyo’s skyline is a seemingly never-ending display of immense skyscrapers and structures which tower over the city’s streets. 46 of these skyscrapers are over 607 feet in height. The highest structure in Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree, a tower whose height of 2,080 feet makes it the tallest tower in the world. For a picturesque view of the skyline, visitors are encouraged to head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building which has an observation deck on its 45th floor. At the backdrop of the skyline is Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain whose elevation of 12,389 feet is visible on the horizon despite being over 50 miles away. Tokyo skyline is expected to change drastically as more skyscrapers are built in the city in preparation for the hosting of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
6. Bangkok
Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city and is also the nation’s capital. Bangkok is the major entry point for visitors traveling to Thailand, and therefore it is difficult to miss the city’s spectacular skyline. Bangkok is situated in the tropics and therefore has lush greenery that contrasts the towering skyscrapers dotting the Bangkok skyline. The tallest building in the city is the MahaNakhon skyscraper, which has a height of 1,031 feet. The building is one of the best pieces of architecture in the entire country with its glass façade seeming to have been chipped away. The city is filled with observations decks and is renowned for its rooftop views so getting a place to admire the Bangkok skyline should not be a problem.
5. Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur gained world-fame after the construction of the Petronas Towers in the late 20th century which held the title of the world’s tallest building between 1998 and 2004. The city is home to other towering skyscrapers which characterize the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. The Petronas Towers offers the best view of the city through its glass skybridge.
4. Dubai
Dubai is arguably the skyscraper capital of the Middle East and is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa whose 161 floors tower 2,717 feet above the city streets below. A tour through Dubai leaves visitors awed at the sophisticated architecture displayed in its picturesque skyscrapers. Majority of the tallest skyscrapers are located in the Dubai Marina district. The best places to catch a glimpse of the Dubai skyline include the Burj Khalifa observation deck or at the Jumeirah beach.
3. Singapore
Singapore is labeled as the futuristic city of Asia as more skyscrapers appear to come up each day in the city. The city has one of the most beautiful skylines of any city in Asia due to the abundance of lush greenery all across the city as well as the modern skyscrapers which dot the skyline. The Tanjong Pagar Center which has a height of 951 feet is the tallest building in the city.
2. Chongqing
Chongqing city is located in southwest China. The city is not as famous as the other cities on the list, but its skyline is something to behold. Chongqing is one of the largest cities in China and boasts of having modern skyscrapers with heights that rival those in other well-known cities. The tallest building in Chongqing is the 1,112-foot-tall Chongqing World Financial Center.
1. Guangzhou
Guangzhou is the provincial capital of Guangdong in southern China, located on the Pearl River and it is about 90 miles north of Macau, and 75 miles northwest of Hong Kong. The city has a history of more than 2000 years and was one of the primary terminuses of the maritime Silk Road. Today the city of Guangzhou continues to serve as the main transport hub.Currently, the tallest skyscraper in the city is the Guangzhou CTF Finance center which rises to 1,740 feet above the ground. The building is the 7th tallest in the world and the 3rd tallest in China. Guangzhou has an impressive skyline having eight buildings reaching 984 feet high, two are more than 1312 feet tall, and one is more than 1640 feet tall, while Canton tower 1968 feet tall together with its spires.
