Tianjin's Stalled Skyscraper Gets a Second Chance

The construction of the Goldin Finance 117 tower in Tianjin, China, is finally getting back on track. This tower, known as "China 117, " has been sitting unfinished for a decade. It was supposed to be a major part of Tianjin's skyline, but the Chinese stock market crash in 2015 put a stop to that. Now, with a new construction permit in hand, the tower is set to be completed by 2027. The tower is massive, standing at 1, 959 feet tall. It was designed to be the tallest unoccupied building in the world. The plan was to have three office zones and a fancy five-star hotel on the upper floors. There was even going to be a diamond-shaped atrium with a pool and an observation deck at the top. The tower was built with four "mega columns" to make it strong enough to withstand strong winds and earthquakes. Over the years, adventurous explorers have climbed the unfinished tower, sharing their daring feats on social media. Despite its impressive design, the tower has been sitting idle for a long time. The company behind the project, Goldin Properties Holdings, has even gone into liquidation. The wider development plan, which included attractions like a convention center and a polo club, remains uncertain. However, the new permit suggests a focus on "commercial corridors. " The resumption of construction on the Goldin Finance 117 Tower is part of a broader effort by China to stabilize its real estate market. This market has been facing challenges, with many unfinished projects and "ghost cities. " The national government is pushing to get these projects back on track. Another skyscraper, the Chengdu Greenland Tower, which has been on hold since 2023, is also set to resume construction. This move is part of a larger effort to address the issues in China's real estate sector. The tower's design is impressive, with a lean structure and advanced engineering to handle strong winds and earthquakes. However, the delay in construction raises questions about the sustainability of such massive projects. It's a reminder that even the most ambitious plans can face setbacks. The resumption of construction is a positive step, but it remains to be seen how the project will unfold in the coming years.