10 Incredible Facts About China Zun – Beijing’s Tallest Landmark

Beijing’s skyline is a striking mix of history and modernity, and nothing captures this contrast better than China Zun, officially called the CITIC Tower. Rising above the Central Business District, this glass giant reshapes the city’s profile while paying homage to ancient tradition. Here are ten fascinating details about this remarkable skyscraper.

Located in the Heart of the CBD

China Zun stands proudly in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, the city’s financial hub. Only a few kilometers away are world-famous landmarks such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, making the tower both a business hub and a cultural neighbor.

Inspired by a Wine Vessel

The tower’s nickname comes from its resemblance to a traditional bronze wine container called a zun. These ornate vessels date back centuries, particularly during the Song Dynasty, and the tower’s gently curved form reflects this ancient design.

Crafted by World-Class Designers

The tower was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), a leading New York architectural firm known for projects like the Shanghai World Financial Center and Hudson Yards in Manhattan. Structural engineering was handled by Arup, the same company behind iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House.

Tallest Building in Beijing

With 109 above-ground floors and 8 underground levels, China Zun soars to 527.7 meters (1,731 feet). That makes it nearly 200 meters taller than the city’s second-highest skyscraper, the China World Trade Center Tower III.

Multi-Purpose Spaces

This skyscraper is a true vertical city:

• 60 floors dedicated to office use

• 20 floors of high-end apartments

• 20 floors featuring a luxury hotel with about 300 rooms

A Lengthy Construction Timeline

Groundbreaking took place on September 19, 2011, but the project wasn’t finished until late 2018—three years beyond the initial estimate. The tower topped out in 2017 before officially opening the following year.

A Limit That Protects Its Status

The Beijing government has since capped the maximum height of new buildings in the CBD at 180 meters. This ensures China Zun will remain the tallest structure in the city for the foreseeable future.

A Global Ranking

At completion, it became the 9th tallest skyscraper in the world and the third tallest in Northern China, behind Goldin Finance 117 and the Chow Tai Fook Binhai Center, both located in Tianjin.

Enormous Floor Area

The tower contains a staggering 437,000 square meters (4.7 million square feet) of interior space, divided into seven office zones that host major corporations such as CITIC Group, China Construction Bank, Alibaba, and several Fortune Global 500 companies.

A Sky Garden in Progress

Plans are underway for a rooftop garden at around 524 meters above ground. Once completed, it will offer breathtaking views of the entire capital.

Conclusion

China Zun is far more than just Beijing’s tallest building—it’s a symbol of how modern architecture can blend with cultural heritage. From its wine vessel-inspired shape to its world-class design team and record-breaking height, this skyscraper reflects both innovation and tradition. Next time you’re in Beijing, look up and admire a structure that bridges China’s past and its ambitious future.