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Standing at a staggering 2,073 feet, China's Shanghai
Central Tower has reached its peak following nearly six years of
construction.
With a cheer, a wave and a peace sign, construction workers were
pictured on Sunday putting the finishing touches to what has been hailed
a symbol of 'China's boundless future'.
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Secured with safety ropes and harnesses, the builders sat astride the
final truss on the top of the world's second-tallest skyscraper.
Topped out exactly a year ago, Shanghai Tower was already China's
highest building. But its global position was cemented as the last part
of its roof was secured, bringing it to its full height.
It is now second only in the world to Dubai's Burj Khalifa, which stands
at a staggering 2,716 feet.
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Under construction since November 2008, at a reported cost of
$4.2billion, the 121-storey Shanghai Tower completes a triad of
skyscrapers that now loom over the horizon of the world's most populous
city.
When it opens next year, the building will include offices, shops,
public spaces and a 320-room Four Season Hotel that will be the highest
in the world.
Its completion is likely to further the Chinese government's ambition to
make a global financial centre in Shanghai, which is already the world's
busiest container port and the gateway to China's heavy industries.
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At its topping out ceremony last year, principal architect Jun Xia said
the Central Tower and its sisters, the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai
World Financial Centre, 'will serve as a stunning representation of our
past, our present and China’s boundless future.'
The tower is expected to open in the middle of next year. |