In Hangzhou, China, there is a massive apartment building called the Regent International, where around 20,000 people live without ever needing to step outside. This building is so large and well-equipped that it functions like a small city, providing residents with everything they need within its walls. It is located in Qianjiang Century City, the central business district of Hangzhou, and stands at an impressive height of 675 feet, covering an area of over 260,000 square meters. Its S-shaped structure allows it to house up to 30,000 people, though currently, about 20,000 residents live there. This has made the building one of the most talked-about places in China, with some calling it a “dystopian” example of urban living.
Inside the Regent International, residents have access to a wide range of facilities that make it possible to live comfortably without stepping outside. There are multiple supermarkets where people can buy groceries and other essentials, restaurants and food courts that offer a variety of meals, gyms and swimming pools for fitness and relaxation, and even hair and nail salons for personal care. The building also has internet cafés and entertainment areas, ensuring that residents have leisure activities without needing to leave the complex. With all these amenities, life in the building is designed to be extremely convenient, especially for people who work long hours or prefer not to commute for their daily needs.
Videos of the building have gone viral on social media, with many people amazed at how large and self-sufficient it is. Some people describe it as a “human anthill” because of the dense population living within it. The TikTok user @official_yasmin shared a video that gave viewers a glimpse into the grand entryway, the shopping areas, and the different facilities inside. The video attracted a lot of attention, with people comparing the building to futuristic sci-fi settings where entire societies exist within a single structure. While some people admire its convenience, others find it overwhelming and say it feels too confined, as if residents are trapped inside.
The apartments in the Regent International vary in size and price, catering to different income levels. Some of the smallest units do not even have windows and cost around 1,500 RMB per month, which is roughly $210. These are usually rented by students, young workers, or people who are looking for an affordable place to stay in the city. The larger units, which come with balconies and more space, can cost up to 4,000 RMB per month, which is about $570. While these apartments provide more comfort, they still follow the same concept of compact, efficient living. Many residents appreciate the affordability and convenience, but others say the lack of outdoor space makes it feel claustrophobic.
The concept of self-contained living spaces like the Regent International is becoming more common in crowded cities where housing is limited. In China, urban centers are growing rapidly, and developers are trying to create living solutions that maximize space while providing necessary services within a single structure. Some people see this as the future of urban living, where everything is centralized, and people do not need to travel far for work, shopping, or entertainment. However, others argue that this kind of living arrangement isolates people from the outside world and takes away the natural experience of daily life, such as walking in a park, socializing in open spaces, or simply enjoying fresh air and sunlight.
While the Regent International offers a unique and convenient lifestyle, it also raises questions about the future of housing in big cities. Some experts worry that these types of mega-buildings could lead to problems with mental health, as people may feel trapped and disconnected from the outside world. Others believe that as cities become more crowded, structures like these will become necessary to accommodate growing populations. Whether seen as a futuristic innovation or a dystopian reality, the Regent International is a remarkable example of modern urban design, showing how far architecture and city planning have evolved to meet the needs of fast-paced, high-density living.
