The global race to the skies is witnessing the construction of increasingly tall skyscrapers, aiming to reach new heights and set new records. These skyscrapers not only serve as symbols of economic and technological progress but also showcase architectural and engineering excellence.
According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), a building is classified as a skyscraper if its height measures at least 150 meters (492 feet). A supertall skyscraper is defined as one with a height of at least 300 meters (984 feet), while a mega-tall skyscraper stands at a minimum height of 600 meters (1,968 feet).
As of 2021, the world has only witnessed three mega-tall skyscrapers: Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, and Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur. However, by 2023, this exclusive club may welcome additional members as several skyscraper projects are currently under construction or planned to be completed by then.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 tallest buildings in the world by 2023, based on their standard height (architectural height), which includes spires but excludes antennas or flagpoles. Additionally, we will provide information on their roof height and total height for reference. The data sources for this information come from various websites that track skyscraper data and news.
10. China Zun
- Standard height: 527.7 meters (1,731 feet)
- Roof height: 524 meters (1,719 feet)
- Total height: 528 meters (1,732 feet)
- Floor count: 108
- Uses: Office, Hotel, Observation
- Location: Beijing, China
China Zun, also known as CITIC Tower, is a supertall skyscraper located in Beijing’s central business district. Its unique curved shape was inspired by the ancient Chinese wine vessel called “zun.”
Completed in 2018 and opened in 2019, it serves as the tallest building in Beijing and the 10th tallest building globally by 2023. The tower houses offices for CITIC Group and other tenants, along with a luxury hotel and an observation deck.
9. Tianjin CTF Finance Centre
- Standard height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
- Roof height: 494.5 meters (1,622 feet)
- Total height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
- Floor count: 97
- Uses: Office, Hotel, Serviced Apartments
- Location: Tianjin, China
Tianjin CTF Finance Centre is a supertall skyscraper situated in Tianjin’s Binhai New Area. It is part of a complex that includes two other skyscrapers and a shopping mall.
Completed in 2019 and opened in 2020, it stands as the tallest building in Tianjin and the ninth tallest worldwide by 2023. The tower features office spaces for various companies, a luxury hotel operated by Ritz-Carlton, and serviced apartments.
8. Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre
- Standard height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
- Roof height: 495.5 meters (1,626 feet)
- Total height: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
- Floor count: 111
- Uses: Office, Hotel, Serviced Apartments
- Location: Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre is a supertall skyscraper located in Guangzhou’s Zhujiang New Town. It forms part of a complex that encompasses two other skyscrapers and a shopping mall.
Completed in 2016 and opened in 2017, it stands as the tallest building in Guangzhou and the eighth tallest worldwide by 2023. The tower includes office spaces for various companies, a luxury hotel operated by Four Seasons, and serviced apartments.
7. One World Trade Center
- Standard height: 541.3 meters (1,776 feet)
- Roof height: 417 meters (1,368 feet)
- Total height: 546.2 meters (1,792 feet)
- Floor count: 94
- Uses: Office, Observation
- Location: New York City, United States
One World Trade Center is a supertall skyscraper situated in Lower Manhattan. Serving as the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex after the September 11 attacks, it stands as the tallest building in both New York City and the Western Hemisphere.
By 2023, it ranks as the seventh tallest building globally. Completed in 2014 and opened in 2015, the tower features office spaces for various tenants, including Condé Nast and the U.S. General Services Administration, as well as an observation deck known as One World Observatory.
6. Lotte World Tower
- Standard height: 554.5 meters (1,819 feet)
- Roof height: 497.6 meters (1,633 feet)
- Total height: 555 meters (1,821 feet)
- Floor count: 123
- Uses: Office, Hotel, Serviced Apartments, Observation, Retail
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
Lotte World Tower is a supertall skyscraper located in Seoul’s Songpa District. It is part of a complex that includes a shopping mall, an amusement park, and a concert hall.
Completed in 2016 and opened in 2017, it stands as the tallest building in South Korea and the sixth tallest worldwide by 2023. The tower features office spaces for Lotte Group and other companies, a luxury hotel operated by Signiel, serviced apartments, an observation deck called Seoul Sky, and a retail podium.
5. Ping An Finance Center
- Standard height: 599 meters (1,965 feet)
- Roof height: 555.1 meters (1,821 feet)
- Total height: 599 meters (1,965 feet)
- Floor count: 115
- Uses: Office, Observation, Retail
- Location: Shenzhen, China
Ping An Finance Center is a supertall skyscraper located in Shenzhen’s Futian District. It serves as the headquarters of Ping An Insurance and stands as the tallest building in Shenzhen.
By 2023, it ranks as the fifth tallest building worldwide. Completed in 2017 and opened in 2018, the tower features office spaces for Ping An and other tenants, an observation deck called Free Sky, and a retail podium.
4. Abraj Al-Bait
- Standard height: 601 meters (1,972 feet)
- Roof height: 580.5 meters (1,905 feet)
- Total height: 601 meters (1,972 feet)
- Floor count: 120
- Uses: Hotel, Residential, Observation
- Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Abraj Al-Bait is a complex consisting of seven skyscrapers situated in Mecca. It is located near the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam. Standing as the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, it ranks as the fourth tallest worldwide by 2023.
Completed in 2012 and opened in 2013, the complex features hotels operated by Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel, residential units for pilgrims and visitors, an observation deck called Abraj Al Bait Towers Viewing Platform, and a large clock tower that displays the prayer times.
3. Shanghai Tower
- Standard height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
- Roof height: 580 meters (1,903 feet)
- Total height: 632 meters (2,073 feet)
- Floor count: 128
- Uses: Office, Hotel, Observation
- Location: Shanghai, China
Shanghai Tower is a supertall skyscraper located in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district. As the tallest building in China, it ranks as the third tallest worldwide by 2023.
Completed in 2015 and opened in 2016, the tower features office spaces for various companies, a luxury hotel operated by J Hotel, an observation deck called Shanghai Tower Observation Deck, and a distinctively twisted design that reduces wind loads.
2. Merdeka PNB118
- Standard height & Total height: 678.9 meters (2,227 feet)
- Roof height: 521 meters (1,709 feet)
- Floor count: 118
- Uses: Office, Hotel, Observation
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Merdeka PNB118 is a mega-tall skyscraper currently under construction in Kuala Lumpur. It is part of a development that includes a shopping mall and a park. By 2023, it is expected to stand as the tallest building in Malaysia and the second tallest worldwide.
Topped out in 2021, it is projected to be completed by 2022 and opened by 2023. The tower will feature offices for Permodalan Nasional Berhad and other tenants, a luxury hotel operated by Park Hyatt, and an observation deck called Merdeka Skydeck & Gallery.
1. Burj Khalifa
- Standard height & Total height: 828 meters (2,717 feet)
- Roof height: 672 meters (2,205 feet)
- Floor count: 163
- Uses: Office, Hotel, Residential, Observation, Communication
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Burj Khalifa is a mega-tall skyscraper located in Dubai’s Downtown district. Serving as the centerpiece of a mixed-use development that includes a shopping mall and a fountain, it has been the tallest building in Dubai and the world since its completion in 2010.
By 2023, it remains unrivaled in height. The tower features offices for various companies, a luxury hotel operated by Armani, residential units, an observation deck called At The Top, and a spire that reaches the pinnacle of the building.
Conclusion
The ever-evolving global skyline continues to be shaped by the construction of new, towering skyscrapers that surpass their predecessors. The top 10 tallest buildings in the world by 2023 stand as a testament to human ambition and innovation.
They serve as iconic landmarks for their respective cities and countries, attracting visitors and investors from around the globe.
