This tallest tower in Guangzhou, together with the Canton Tower and Guangzhou IFC, form the three landmark buildings standing beside the Pearl River running across this major South China city. Providing high-end commercial, hotel and entertainment facilities, it is set to be another major icon of Guangzhou.
As the structural and geotechnical consultant, Arup introduced a structural system uncommon in China, and also provided performance-based fire safety analysis and a holistic security solution that are integrated and sympathetic to the architectural features and outlook.
Project Summary
530m with 111 levels
507,000m²GFA
8 mega columns at the tower perimeter


The tower is designed from the outset with the intention of minimising the exterior columns for better views as per the client’s preference. The architectural design is of a crystalline form with chiseled setbacks at various levels.
The structural system we designed is formed by eight mega columns at the tower perimeter and a central core with outriggers and belt trusses, which is unconventional in China where a dual-defence system is often demanded for seismic design.
Arup used the first-principle approach and analyses in discussion with the statutory experts and persuaded them of the safety and durability of this structural system during the expert panel review.