Residents of one of China’s largest apartment complexes, Regent International, have access to almost everything they need within the building itself, making trips outside rare. Imagine searching for a new place to live—perhaps you’d look for essential amenities like a nearby laundromat, grocery stores, or maybe even a mix of trendy restaurants, entertainment spots, and late-night eateries.
For those living at Regent International in Qianjiang Century City, this setup is a reality. This massive apartment complex, towering 675 feet high and covering 260,000 square meters, is one of the largest in Hangzhou’s business district. Inside, residents find a wide range of facilities, from food courts, barbershops, and nail salons to swimming pools, internet cafes, and mid-sized supermarkets.
Despite the convenience, fresh air is only accessible by opening a window, so residents might still step outside occasionally for exercise or nature. Still, building management has made sure to meet nearly every need. Chinese media reports have noted the building’s large population: in 2023, Hangzhou Network Media mentioned that during peak occupancy, over 30,000 people resided there. However, a 2021 report listed only 10,000 permanent residents.
The building has gone viral on social media, especially TikTok, for its vast amenities and sheer size. In a TikTok post by @fatheristheone, impressive drone footage captures the complex’s enormous scale.
Originally designed by Alicia Loo—chief designer of the Singapore Sands Hotel, the second seven-star hotel globally—Regent International was initially planned as a six-star hotel but now functions successfully as an apartment building. It’s particularly popular among students, graduates, and young professionals.
For those curious about rent, small windowless apartments start at around 1,500 RMB per month (approximately $210), while larger units with balconies go for about 4,000 RMB per month (around $570).