Explore the Ping An International Finance Center in Shenzhen—one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Learn about its architecture, purpose, ownership, records, and how it symbolizes China’s modern skyline.
In the booming city of Shenzhen, China—a place that transformed from a fishing village—rises one of the tallest and most futuristic skyscrapers in the world: the Ping An International Finance Center (PAFC). Towering at an awe-inspiring height of 599.1 meters (1,966 feet), this building isn’t just an architectural marvel. It’s a bold statement of economic strength, modern innovation, and China’s vision for the future.
Whether you’re an architecture buff, a business enthusiast, or simply someone who loves spectacular skylines, the Ping An IFC tells a fascinating story. From its intelligent design to its multipurpose functionality and world-record stats, let’s dive deep into everything that makes this skyscraper special.
Why Shenzhen? The Ideal Home for a Global Icon
Shenzhen is not just any city—it’s one of China’s most dynamic metropolises, a place where ideas, investment, and infrastructure come together. The Ping An IFC is strategically located in Futian District, Shenzhen’s central business area. This neighborhood is home to major corporations, government offices, shopping districts, and transport hubs.
Shenzhen’s rapid development made it the perfect location for a supertall tower. As a Special Economic Zone, the city has always welcomed innovation and foreign investment. It only made sense that one of the tallest buildings in the world would rise here. Ping An IFC isn’t just a part of Shenzhen—it’s the city’s new centerpiece.
What Is the Ping An International Finance Center Used For?
The PAFC is not a one-purpose building. It was designed to be multi-functional, combining office space, hospitality, retail, and tourism in a single vertical ecosystem. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone of Shenzhen’s economic and social life.
At its core are the headquarters for Ping An Life Insurance, which occupies a large portion of the office floors. Alongside it are other major corporations in the financial, tech, and investment sectors. For the public, the tower features a luxury shopping mall, fine dining, and even an ultra-high observation deck for sightseeing. A hotel within the tower offers premium accommodation for both business travelers and international guests. This multi-use concept allows the PAFC to stay alive and buzzing around the clock.
Design and Architecture: Built for Strength, Style, and Sustainability
A supertall skyscraper like the Ping An IFC doesn’t come together overnight—it requires vision, precision, and global collaboration. The architectural firm behind it is the world-renowned Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), known for creating some of the most iconic towers around the globe. Thornton Tomasetti, an expert in structural resilience, handled the engineering.
The building’s sleek silhouette isn’t just for show. It’s aerodynamic to reduce wind pressure, a major concern for tall structures. The façade is made from reflective glass and stainless steel, giving it a futuristic appearance while resisting the effects of weather. Internally, it uses a core-and-outrigger structure, which enhances stability and safety. Every design decision—from the high-speed elevators to the seismic protections—was made to ensure both performance and elegance.
Who Owns the Ping An International Finance Center?
Ownership of a skyscraper this massive typically falls into the hands of equally massive companies. The Ping An IFC is owned by Ping An Life Insurance Company of China, a subsidiary of the Ping An Insurance Group.
Ping An is one of the largest financial services groups in the world, offering insurance, banking, and asset management to millions of clients. The PAFC serves as their headquarters and doubles as a branding icon. By placing their name on one of the tallest towers on Earth, Ping An positions itself not only as a national leader but as a global powerhouse. Owning such a building adds prestige, visibility, and strategic value to the company’s portfolio.
Construction Timeline and Cost: A Massive Project with Global Reach
Building something nearly 600 meters tall isn’t just a design challenge—it’s a financial and logistical one, too. The project broke ground in August 2009, with major construction beginning in 2010. The skyscraper was officially completed in March 2017, marking about eight years of development.
The total estimated cost of the project is around $1.5 billion USD. That might sound like a lot, but considering the scale, materials, and technology involved, it’s an efficient spend. The construction process brought together workers, engineers, and suppliers from around the world, making the Ping An IFC not just a Chinese achievement, but a global one.
Global Rankings and Records: Where It Stands Among Giants
When it comes to global rankings, Ping An IFC holds some serious bragging rights. It’s the tallest building in Shenzhen, the second tallest in China, and the fifth tallest building in the world (as of 2024).
More impressively, it’s the tallest office building in the world when measured by occupied floors. Most other supertalls include residential or hotel components, but the Ping An IFC is almost entirely dedicated to business and finance. This makes it a true vertical financial hub—a “wall street in the sky,” if you will.
The Observation Deck: Welcome to “Free Sky”
One of the building’s biggest draws for the public is its observation deck, known as “Free Sky.” Located on the 116th floor. It gives stunning panoramic views that stretch across the city and even into neighboring Hong Kong on clear days.
Visitors take high-speed elevators to reach the top in less than a minute. Once there, they can walk around a glass-walled gallery with 360-degree views. It’s an unforgettable experience for tourists, photographers, and even locals looking to see their city from a new angle.
Retail and Luxury Experiences Inside the Tower
Beyond offices and sightseeing, the Ping An IFC also serves as a destination for high-end shopping and luxury. The lower levels of the tower house a premium shopping mall featuring international fashion brands, fine dining restaurants, and art installations.
The building’s design makes it easy to move between work and leisure, encouraging workers and guests to enjoy amenities like wellness spas, lounges, cafes, and boutique hotels. Whether you’re closing a business deal or buying a designer handbag, PAFC has something for everyone.
