Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai

The Shanghai World Financial Center is an emblematic supertall skyscraper that graces the skyline of the Pudong district in Shanghai. Conceived by the visionary minds at Kohn Pedersen Fox and brought to life by the Mori Building Company, this mixed-use tower is a testament to architectural excellence and engineering prowess. The structure's integrity is ensured by Leslie E. Robertson Associates, while China State Construction and Shanghai Construction (Group) General Company jointly constructed it.

Rising to a staggering height of 492 meters (1,614.2 feet), the Shanghai World Financial Center was, upon its completion on 14 September 2007, the second tallest building in the world, surpassed only by Taipei 101. Notably, it claimed the title of the tallest building in the world by roof height and became the tallest structure in China—a record it held until the completion of the adjacent Shanghai Tower in 2013. It opened to the public on August 28, 2008, and the observation deck, providing panoramic views from 474 m (1,555 feet) above ground, opened on August 30.

The skyscraper's multifaceted functionality encompasses offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and ground-floor shopping malls. A notable feature is the Park Hyatt Shanghai, which occupies floors 79 to 93. At the time of its completion, this hotel component, with its 174 rooms and suites, was the highest hotel in the world, offering unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views.

The design of the Shanghai World Financial Center has received widespread acclaim, earning the distinction of being named the best-completed skyscraper of 2008 by architects. Its presence, alongside the Shanghai Tower and The Jin Mao Tower, creates a remarkable trio of supertall skyscrapers in close proximity to each other—the world's first such grouping, showcasing Shanghai's prominence as a global architectural and financial hub.