The ‘Dystopian’ Apartment Block Where Residents Never Venture Outside

The Regent International complex, nestled in Hangzhou’s bustling central business district, Qianjiang Century City, boasts an astonishing population of 20,000 inhabitants, a figure comparable to that of a sizable UK town. Surprisingly, residents of this 675-foot-tall behemoth find all their needs catered to within its walls, eliminating the necessity to venture outside. Spanning an expansive 260,000 square meters, with the capacity to accommodate up to 30,000 residents, the building houses an array of amenities, from food courts and supermarkets to internet cafes, nail bars, and swimming pools. Despite the notion of such an all-encompassing structure potentially evoking claustrophobia, the Regent International complex is hailed as a beacon of sustainable living, offering apartments starting at an affordable £167 per month. For those seeking more luxurious accommodations with windows or balconies, premium apartments are available at around £445 per month, according to the Chinese outlet Sin. The demographic makeup of the building is diverse, with students, graduates, small business owners, and young professionals comprising the majority of its occupants.