The Story Behind China’s 600-Metre Abandoned Skyscraper | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Golden Finance 117 skyscraper in Tianjin, China, was meant to be a symbol of prosperity but remains unfinished, showcasing the risks of over-ambition in real estate development.

Key Insights

• 📌 Golden Finance 117 was intended to be a prestigious and luxurious development, but its location on the outskirts of Tianjin hindered its appeal to potential buyers.
• 😀 The project faced financial challenges due to the developer having to fully self-finance the entire master plan and the market volatility during the global financial crisis.
• 🖤 The unique design features of the skyscraper, such as its lack of vanity height and ability to resist lateral forces, showcased its engineering prowess.
• ❓ Despite attempted revivals and being put up for sale, Golden Finance 117 did not garner enough interest or investment to be completed.
• 🏛️ The project's fate highlights the risks of relying solely on economic growth, favorable market conditions, and the "build it and they will come" philosophy in real estate development.
• 😀 Market volatility and the burst of China's stock bubble in 2015 further compounded the challenges faced by Golden Finance 117.
• 👷 The unfinished skyscraper stands as a reminder of the potential consequences of overreaching in ambitious construction projects.

Transcript

it's a record china never wanted to hold when construction began 13 years ago golden finance 117 in tianjin was going to be the fifth tallest skyscraper ever built but today it's probably most well known as that building that those daredevils on youtube climbed despite reaching its full height of 597 metres in 2015 the site was suddenly deserted sh... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the construction of Golden Finance 117 come to a halt?

Construction was halted in 2010 due to concerns about the Chinese property market and the global financial crisis. It resumed later, but market volatility and the burst of China's stock bubble in 2015 caused further setbacks.

Q: What design features set Golden Finance 117 apart from other skyscrapers?

Unlike many other tall buildings, Golden Finance 117 was habitable up to its highest point and had no major setbacks. Its structural system was designed to resist lateral forces and included tapering mega columns, braces, and transfer trusses.

Q: Why couldn't the developer attract buyers or investors for the project?

The project's location on former industrial land in the outskirts of Tianjin, a second-tier city, made it less appealing to potential buyers. Additionally, the developer's financial situation and the market conditions didn't favor the project.

Q: What lessons can be learned from the story of Golden Finance 117?

The project serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of over-ambition in real estate development. It highlights the importance of considering location, market conditions, and financial stability when undertaking large-scale projects.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Golden Finance 117 was designed to be the centerpiece of a high-end residential and business district in Tianjin, with luxurious amenities and the world's highest observation deck.

• Construction on the skyscraper was paused multiple times due to financial concerns and market volatility, leaving the project abandoned.

• The location of the project on the outskirts of Tianjin and limited appeal to potential buyers contributed to its downfall.