Canton Tower

Canton Tower is located near Chigang Tower in the Haizhu District of Guangzhou about 125 meters from the Pearl River and opposite to Zhujiang New City across the way. It was completed in September 2009 and open to the public on the 29th of September in 2010. Canton Tower is the tallest tower in China and the second tallest in the world at 600 meters tall (including the 450-meter tall tower body and the 150-meter tall transmitting antenna), covers an area of 175,460 square meters, and integrates sightseeing, broadcasting & TV transmission, with cultural entertainment perfectly as one. Most recently, the tower provided television-transmitting services for the 16th Asian Games held in Guangzhou in 2010; since then, it has become a new standout landmark in Guangzhou.

Designed by the ARUP Qualification Company of Great Britain, Canton Tower was built for the purposes of hosting TV and radio transmission equipments, exhibition halls, conference rooms, shops, restaurants, and cinemas as part of its well-rounded service offers. The graceful building itself is gridding-structured in the shape of a svelte lady, featuring a tapered silhouette between the top and bottom sections and the “waist” part, respectively. The narrowest point of the tower (the central “waist” area) is on the 66th floor, whose diameter is only 30 meters. As well, seen from different perspectives, the tower takes on different kinds of shapes like an optical illusion. However, the innovative design of the Canton Tower is certainly as much fun as it is functional; it can resist above magnitude 8 earthquakes and typhoons due to its special anti-seismic considerations.

The Three Functions of Canton Tower

1. Sightseeing & Observation

The tower is located at the intersection of the Guangzhou New City Axis and Zhujiang Landscape Axis. The Guangzhou New City Axis begins with Yanling Park in the north and ends with Nansha Island in the south, and includes the Guangzhou PE Center Area, Riverside Symbolic Landscape Area, Theme Culture Tourism Area, and Orchard Protection Area. The Zhujiang Landscape Axis contains the Jiancheng District Landscape Area and Central City Scenic Area from west to east. Standing at the top of Canton Tower, visitors have an incredible panorama of these scenic spots in Guangzhou. The base floor of the tower has a hall to introduce the history, culture, scenic spots, and economy of Guangzhou, and it is well-equipped with modern tourism supporting facilities. At the top of Canton Tower, visitors will find the building’s restaurant, entertainment facilities, and a delightful viewing platform.

2. Transmitting

Canton Tower helps to transmit radio, TV, and microwave signals for media and communication purposes.

3. Displaying

The city planning model of Guangzhao is displayed in the tower. The Urban Planning Exhibit Hall, which covers an area of no less than 5,000 square meters, was designed to exhibit the large-scale city models and urban construction achievements. As well, Canton Tower’s sightseeing platform and food & beverage facilities help to showcase a grand view and understanding of the city for visitors.

World Records Held by Canton Tower

1. The longest suspended scaling ladder in the world
At 160 meters high above the ground, Canton Tower’s scaling ladder is composed of 1,028 steps and ascends in a rotating way. Here, visitors can gain a “spider man” experience by walking along the Spider Walk.

2. The highest transverse Bubble Car in the world
At 450 meters high above the ground, there are 16 “crystal” sightseeing cabins in the charming bubble car which rotates around a tilted track. Each cabin of a diameter of 3.2 meters can hold up to 4 passengers, from which they can fully appreciate the fines views of the city from a uniquely dramatic perspective.

3. The highest rotating restaurant in the world
The tower’s rotating restaurant sits 424 meters above the ground and can host up to 400 visitors at once, boasting itself as the highest rotating restaurant in the world. Diners can indulge themselves in a most delectable menu which offers delicacies from all over the world.

4. The highest 4-D cinema in the world
The cinema in Canton Tower is 120 meters high above the ground, where audience members can appreciate spectacular 4-D films.

Address: at the intersection of the Guangzhou New City Axis and Zhujiang Landscape Axis, Guangzhou
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm every day
Bus routes: 204, 121, 121A, 131A, 131B, U2, and 42