World's biggest tower block with flats to rent for £167 a month - but there's a catch

The Regent International Center in Hangzhou, China, holds the title of the world’s largest tower block, housing up to 20,000 residents in a single complex. Some of its smallest flats are available for as low as £167 a month, though the affordability comes with notable drawbacks. The building, located in the bustling city of Hangzhou, has become a subject of both fascination and concern due to its extreme density and unique living conditions. Constructed in 2013, the Regent International Center spans 39 floors and reaches a height of 675 feet. Its sheer size and dense population have made it a frequent point of discussion online, often compared to the dystopian settings depicted in science fiction series like Black Mirror. Despite its imposing scale, the complex offers a range of amenities designed to cater to residents' daily needs. These include grocery stores, restaurants, beauty salons, internet cafés, swimming pools, gyms, and retail spaces. In theory, residents can complete much of their lives within the building, a convenience that proved especially valuable during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when many were confined to their homes. The building originally served as a luxury hotel, retaining elements typically associated with upscale accommodations, such as an opulent lobby. Its design was crafted by architect Alicia Loo, known for her work on iconic structures like the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Initially, the Regent International Center became a focal point for Hangzhou’s digital content creators, particularly influencers and livestreamers engaged in e-commerce. For years, it functioned as a central hub for these professionals, drawing them together in pursuit of opportunities in the rapidly evolving online marketplace. However, as large production studios moved to dedicated tech parks, many of these digital creators left the area. The shift has led to a noticeable decline in the neighborhood’s former vibrancy. One resident, Piao Pu, recalled the peak of the Regent’s popularity during the G20 summit a decade ago. At that time, the surrounding area saw rapid development, with streets transformed and new businesses opening. “That’s when I decided to buy a place there,” Piao said, reflecting on the period when the Regent was at its busiest. Despite its past success, the Regent International Center now faces challenges related to overcrowding and safety concerns. Reports suggest that some of the smaller units lack basic features such as windows, forcing residents to contend with cramped living spaces and minimal privacy. A YouTuber who visited the complex noted that certain apartments were subdivided into multiple units, further exacerbating the issue of space constraints. He described the experience as unsettling, noting that the sense of constant observation felt pervasive throughout the building. Local efforts to improve the Regent’s image have intensified in recent months. The building’s homeowners association has hired a public relations firm to promote a more favorable narrative about the complex. One representative emphasized the importance of accurate representation, stating, “We want reporting that reflects the facts, so people can see what the real Regent is actually like.” This initiative underscores a growing awareness among residents of the building’s global significance and the need to address misconceptions about its living conditions.