Top 10 global cities with the highest number of skyscrapers

An impressive skyline is a clear indicator of a city’s economic development and it is therefore natural that highest skyscrapers are found in the most developed cities around the world.

While these high-rises are stunning works of art and a source of pride for cities, most have been built out of the need to host rising populations that have led to land subsidence.

Below is a list of the top 10 cities with the highest number of buildings that rise 150m and above, which is the accepted definition of skyscrapers by the Skyscraper Center, a database of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

1.) Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a self-governing, special administrative region in the People’s Republic of China and one of the most significant global financial centres.

The territory boasts the highest number of skyscrapers in the world with a total of 1,617 high rise buildings. Of these, 316 stand above 150m with the 108-storey International Commerce Center being the tallest at 484m above ground and the 14th tallest in the world.

2.) New York

Dubbed the leading financial center of the world, New York is the largest city in the U.S.

The global alpha city’s skyline is dominated by steel, concrete and glass – with 823 skyscrapers, 257 of which are taller than 150m led by the One World Trade Center at 541m.

3.) Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a vibrant metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China’s mainland.

The city is known for its high profile shopping destinations, including Luohu Commercial City – a huge mall with a vast selection of wares from custom clothing to designer bags.

Shenzhen has 570 skyscrapers with the tallest being the Ping An International Finance Center standing at 599m. The center is the second tallest in China and the fourth globally.

4.) Tokyo

Ranked as one of the most populous cities in the world with about 14 million residents, Tokyo is the capital and economical centre of Japan as well as an international financial hub.

The city has 562 skyscrapers with the tallest being Toranomon Hills Mori Tower with a height of 256m. The Tokyo Sky Tree, which rises 634m above the ground, does not count since it is a tower and not a habitable building.

5.) Singapore

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a small city-state island that is endowed with a panoramic skyline.

The city, which has a height limit of 280m, has 507 skyscrapers above 150m most of which are located in the downtown core, the financial heart of Singapore.

The tallest building is the Tanjong Pagar Centre, standing at 290m and it is the only building exempted from the set height limit.

6.) Wuhan
Located in what is known as Central China, Wuhan is a modern metropolis that serves as the capital of the Hubei Province.

It is an energetic city, a continental financial hub, and a global commercial centre that hosts many international companies.

Wuhan has 394 skyscrapers with the tallest being Wuhan Center standing at 438m. The center is the 13th tallest building in China and the 25th in the world.

7.) Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The buzzing city is known for ornate shrines, revered nightlife scene and a carefree atmosphere.

Bangkok has 393 skyscrapers with the tallest being the Magnolias Waterfront Residences standing at 318m. The highest of the twin towers is the 143rd tallest building in the world.

8.) Dubai

Renowned globally for its impressive skyline not just in height but also in design, Dubai is the largest city in the United Arabs Emirates.

It is a city of architectural superlatives; being host to the tallest building in the world, the world’s tallest hotel and the world’s tallest residential skyscraper.

The metropolitan area has 349 buildings with a height of over 150m with most of them (51 per cent) being residential houses due to the city’s high population and land subsidence.

The iconic Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building, stands at 828m; nearly 200m higher than Shanghai Tower – the second tallest building in the world.

9.) Chicago

Often referred to as the birth place of the skyscraper, Chicago has an impressive collection of high-rise buildings. It is the third largest city in the US and home to 339 skyscrapers.

The world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1885. It was 42m tall and was later extended to 55m.

Today, the tallest building in Chicago is the Willis Tower at 442m.

Completed in 1974, it was the world’s tallest then – a title it held for close to 25 years. Willis Tower is now the 23rd tallest building in the world.

10.) Guangzhou

Also known as Canton, Guangzhou is the capital of Guangdong province in southern China.

The megalopolis is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai.

The city has 320 skyscrapers with the tallest being the Guangzhou CTF Finance Center standing at 530m. The center is the fourth tallest in China and the eighth in the world.

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