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Architectural rendering of Chengdu New Century Global Centre, Paradise Island Marine Park Skylight Project. Designed by Shenzhen Zhongshen Architects Designing Ltd and constructed by JanghoGroup.com. Image courtesy of JanghoGroup.com.

World’s largest building opens in China

Architectural rendering of Chengdu New Century Global Centre, Paradise Island Marine Park Skylight Project. Designed by Shenzhen Zhongshen Architects Designing Ltd and constructed by JanghoGroup.com. Image courtesy of JanghoGroup.com.
Architectural rendering of Chengdu New Century Global Centre, Paradise Island Marine Park Skylight Project. Designed by Shenzhen Zhongshen Architects Designing Ltd and constructed by JanghoGroup.com. Image courtesy of JanghoGroup.com.
BEIJING (AFP) – Boasting its own artificial sun and a floor area three times that of the Pentagon, the “world’s largest building” has opened in southwest China to mixed reviews from its first visitors.

The towering 100-meter (330-foot) high New Century Global Centre, which is said to to be big enough to hold 20 Sydney Opera Houses, recently opened its doors Chengdu.

The complex, which Chinese officials say is the world’s largest standalone structure, is 500 meters long by 400 meter wide, offering 1.7 million square meter of floor space.

But the first wave of visitors were divided over the attractions of the the structure, which houses 400,000 square meter of shopping space, offices, conference rooms, a university complex, two commercial centers, two five-star hotels and an IMAX cinema.

“It lacks creativity,” said one visitor on Sina Weibo, China’s version of Twitter.

Another visitor poked fun at its name.

“Why is everything in Chengdu called ‘global’,” the poster said.

However, some Internet users were impressed with the complex, which opened on June 28.

“It will become the new landmark of Chengdu,” said one poster.

The Global Centre has a marine theme, with fountains, a huge water park and an artificial beach, accented by the undulating roof, meant to resemble a wave.

The centerpiece is a 5,000 square metre artificial beach, which includes a rafting course and a “seafront” promenade, complete with parasols and seafood outlets that can accommodate 6,000 people.

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ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE


Architectural rendering of Chengdu New Century Global Centre, Paradise Island Marine Park Skylight Project. Designed by Shenzhen Zhongshen Architects Designing Ltd and constructed by JanghoGroup.com. Image courtesy of JanghoGroup.com.
Architectural rendering of Chengdu New Century Global Centre, Paradise Island Marine Park Skylight Project. Designed by Shenzhen Zhongshen Architects Designing Ltd and constructed by JanghoGroup.com. Image courtesy of JanghoGroup.com.