Life Inside the 20,000-Person Mega Apartment City (2kx)

Imagine stepping into a building so massive it feels like an entire city. That’s the reality for over 20,000 residents living in a single S-shaped skyscraper in Hangzhou, China. With more than 5,000 apartments, this vertical city has captured global attention, sparking debates about whether it’s a marvel of urban planning or something out of a dystopian novel.

For residents, however, this lifestyle is simply normal—everything they need is often available without ever leaving the building. Originally designed as a six-star hotel, the skyscraper was later converted into a residential complex in Hangzhou’s central business district. Apartment sizes vary from compact studios to larger multi-room units, accommodating students, young professionals, and graduates seeking affordable housing in a prime location.

Small apartments, some without windows, rent for about 1,500 RMB ($210) per month, while larger units with balconies go for roughly 4,000 RMB ($570). What truly sets the building apart is its self-contained amenities. Residents have access to grocery stores, salons, indoor pools, internet cafés, and sprawling food courts—all under one roof. Depending on the section, facilities may differ, but the principle remains: this is a city in a building. Beyond affordability, the scale and design are what capture attention.

It offers a glimpse into a future where urban living might revolve around vertical communities rather than sprawling neighborhoods. Yet, the concept raises questions about social dynamics, privacy, and whether a building this massive can ever truly feel like home. In Hangzhou, life in this mega-apartment block continues day by day—a modern experiment in living that challenges conventional ideas of city life.