The Ping An International Financial Center (Ping An IFC), located in Shenzhen, is one of the most impressive skyscrapers in the world. With its tall, sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious amenities, this multi-use complex is a must-see tourist destination in Shenzhen. It is not only the second tallest building in China but also the fourth tallest building in the world, standing as a testament to Shenzhen’s rapid growth and ambition on the global stage.

Overview of Ping An IFC

General Information

• Address: Intersection of Fuhua and Yitian Road, Futian Central Business District (CBD), Shenzhen, China
• Height to Roof: 555 meters (1,821 feet)
• Total Height: 600 meters (1,969 feet) with a 45-meter antenna
• Floors: 115 floors above ground, 5 below ground
• Cost: Approximately 678 million USD
• Completion: Officially completed in 2016

Ping An IFC has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Shenzhen, and it serves as a hub for finance, retail, and tourism. It is part of a larger development that includes retail, commercial spaces, and luxury accommodations.

Special Tourist Highlights

World's 4th Tallest Building

Standing at 600 meters (1,969 feet) with 115 stories, Ping An IFC is the fourth tallest building in the world. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Shenzhen and beyond, including views of Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. The building is also China's second tallest, just behind the Shanghai Tower.

Observation Decks

Ping An IFC offers one of the highest observation decks in the world, located on the 114th and 115th floors:

• The 115th floor observation deck sits at 550 meters (1,804 feet), offering stunning views of the city.
• This deck is only 5 meters shorter than the Burj Khalifa's deck in Dubai and 11 meters lower than the Shanghai Tower’s deck. It's 123 meters taller than the KK100's observation deck in Shenzhen.

The viewing experience at Ping An IFC is remarkable, especially during sunset or at night when the city lights and skyline are illuminated.

The World's 2nd Tallest Hotel

The building features a luxury hotel on its top floors, which is currently the second highest hotel in the world. The hotel offers exclusive services and panoramic views of Shenzhen. As of 2016, the only hotel that surpasses it in height is the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong’s ICC Tower.

Massive Twin Tower Complex

Alongside the main Ping An IFC tower, a second 47-story tower is being built, which will be connected to the main tower via a bridge at the lower floors. This twin-tower complex includes a luxurious five-story shopping mall, making it a complete destination for business, leisure, and retail.

Architectural Design and Technology

Structural Design

Ping An IFC is designed using the latest in high-rise engineering. It features:

• A thick concrete core, which provides increased strength and stability compared to traditional steel frameworks.
• Eight super-columns that help reinforce the frame, making it resilient to typhoon winds—a crucial feature considering Shenzhen’s vulnerability to tropical storms.
• The tower’s aerodynamic shape minimizes wind resistance, contributing to its structural integrity.

Innovative Construction

The construction of Ping An IFC was completed in a remarkably short period, with one floor being added every four days. Despite controversies over the use of sea sand for concrete, which caused delays, the building is still one of the most advanced in terms of engineering and design.

The total construction cost of around 700 million USD is relatively modest compared to other mega-projects like the Shanghai Tower, which cost about 2.4 billion USD.

Features and Amenities

Luxury Retail and Dining

• The development features a five-story mall, with a wide range of international and local retailers. This complex will cater to the luxury shopping needs of both tourists and residents alike.
• Visitors can dine in world-class restaurants and enjoy exclusive shopping experiences.

Schindler 7000 Elevators

The building is equipped with Schindler 7000 double-deck elevators, which are among the fastest in the world. The elevators can travel up to 10 meters per second, ensuring a quick and efficient experience for those traveling to the observation deck or offices.

History of Ping An IFC

Design and Construction

• The complex was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), a globally recognized architectural firm.
• Construction began in 2009 with the main tower, and the smaller second tower was started in 2014.
• Originally, the building was intended to be China’s tallest tower, surpassing the Shanghai Tower, but height restrictions due to airplane flight paths led to the removal of the proposed tall mast.

Engineering Challenges and Controversies

• One significant challenge during construction was the use of sea sand for concrete in 2013, which caused a delay. However, the building was ultimately completed in 2016, and it was constructed relatively efficiently despite these challenges.

Travel Essentials

How to Get There

• Subway: You can take Line 1 (Luobao Line) from Luohu Border to Gouwu Gongyuan Station (Exit D) for easy access to Ping An IFC.
• Taxi/Private Car: A taxi or private driver is another convenient option to reach the building from various parts of Shenzhen.

Best Times to Visit

• The best times to visit are during the day for panoramic city views or in the evening when the nightlights of Shenzhen create a stunning display. However, be aware that rainy or foggy weather may limit visibility.

Nearby Attractions in Shenzhen

While in Shenzhen, you can explore the city’s vibrant mix of modernity and culture:

• Window of the World: A theme park with miniature replicas of global landmarks.
• Shenzhen Museum: Learn about the city’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global city.
• Shenzhen Bay Park: A serene area for outdoor activities with views of Hong Kong.

Shenzhen Tours

• Consider joining a 4-day Guangzhou and Shenzhen tour, which can include dining at the luxury restaurant in Ping An IFC and enjoying Shenzhen’s modern wonders.
• We can help you arrange everything, including entry tickets, visas, accommodation, and transportation.

The Ping An International Financial Center is more than just a skyscraper. It’s a symbol of Shenzhen’s rise as a global financial and technological hub. Offering one of the world’s highest observation decks, luxurious accommodations, a vibrant shopping center, and cutting-edge engineering, Ping An IFC is a must-visit landmark for tourists and business travelers alike. Its strategic location in the Futian CBD further enhances its status as a centerpiece of Shenzhen’s growth and development in the 21st century.