Do you know China has the most skyscrapers in the world?

Followed by US and UAE

Skyscrapers, the towering symbols of modern architecture, have defined the skylines of the world’s major cities. Originating in the late 19th century with steel-framed marvels in Chicago, New York, and Boston, these structures were not merely ornamental but practical, designed for work and living. Today, they have become ubiquitous in the world’s bustling metropolises.

According to the latest data from the non-profit Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, the latest rankings of countries by the number of buildings at least 150 metres tall reveal a clear leader: China.

China stands out dramatically with over 3,000 skyscrapers, surpassing any other nation. The sheer scale of its skyline is illustrated by its impressive total of 3,314 skyscrapers, including those between 150 and 300 metres and those exceeding 300 metres. With its dense cluster of towering buildings, Hong Kong ranks as the nation’s tallest city by aggregate building height.

Top 12 skyscraper nations:

1. China: 3,194 buildings between 150 and 300 metres; 120 buildings over 300 metres; total: 3,314. China’s figures include Hong Kong and Taiwan.
2. United States: 868 buildings between 150-300 metres; 31 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 899
3. United Arab Emirates: 301 buildings between 150-300 metres; 35 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 336
4. Malaysia: 289 buildings between 150-300 metres; 6 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 295
5. Japan: 281 buildings between 150-300 metres; 2 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 283
6. South Korea: 270 buildings between 150-300 metres; 7 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 277
7. Canada: 159 buildings between 150-300 metres; 0 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 159
8. Australia: 156 buildings between 150-300 metres; 2 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 158
9. Indonesia: 134 buildings between 150-300 metres; 2 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 136
10. Thailand: 128 buildings between 150-300 metres; 3 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 131
11. Philippines: 128 buildings between 150-300 metres; 0 buildings over 300 metres; Total: 128
12. India: 121 buildings between 150-300 metres; 1 building over 300 metres; Total: 122

Comparative insights

China’s dominance is stark, with its number of skyscrapers exceeding 300 metres, equivalent to India’s total number of skyscrapers. For perspective, the Eiffel Tower, once the tallest building globally until 1930, stands approximately 300 metres tall.

The United States, holding the second spot, boasts 900 skyscrapers, with a significant proportion in New York City. Meanwhile, the UAE, ranked third, is home to the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, completed in 2010, reaching 828 metres.

Regional trends

The concentration of skyscrapers shows a clear regional trend. Asian countries, including Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and India, dominate the rankings from 4th to 12th.

Notably, Europe does not feature in the top 12 listing, with Russia being the only European country with 85 skyscrapers making it into the top 20 ranking.

Featured image: Skyscrapers tower over the Shanghai City skyline. Credit: Arnold Pinto