You’ve probably seen those viral videos of China’s massive apartment complex that looks like a small city inside one building. I get it – when I first heard about Regent International Apartments, I thought it had to be fake.
But here’s the thing: it’s genuine, and there’s a good reason why millions of people can’t stop talking about it.
I’ve spent weeks researching this place, speaking with residents, and delving into what makes it so special. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything that makes Regent International different from any other apartment building on Earth.
You’ll learn why 20,000 people choose to live in what some call a “vertical city.” I’ll show you the real facts behind the viral fame. Most importantly, you’ll understand whether the hype matches reality.
Let’s get started.
The Scale and Specialisation of Regent International
Here’s what makes this place mind-blowing in terms of size and concept.
A Record-Breaking Residential Complex
Let me put this in perspective for you. Regent International isn’t just big – it’s the biggest residential building on the planet when you count how many people live there.
Right now, over 20,000 people call this place home. But get this: the building could technically house up to 30,000 residents if every unit were occupied. That’s more people than many small towns across America.
I’ve visited plenty of apartment complexes, but nothing comes close to these numbers. We’re talking about a single building that could fit the entire population of places like Key West, Florida, or Bardstown, Kentucky.
A Self-Contained Urban Ecosystem
This is where things get interesting. The developers didn’t just build a big apartment building – they created what residents call a “vertical city.”
Think about your daily routine. You wake up, go to work, grab groceries, maybe hit the gym or meet friends for dinner. At Regent International, you can do all of that without ever stepping outside.
The building has offices, restaurants, shops, gyms, and social spaces all under one roof. Some residents work, live, and socialize in the same building. It’s like someone took a small city and stacked it 39 floors high.
Architectural Design and Layout
The building’s design tells a fascinating story of adaptation and smart planning.
Origins and Transformation
Here’s something most people don’t know about Regent International. This massive complex wasn’t always meant to be apartments.
The original plan was to build a luxury hotel. But as construction progressed, the developers realized they could create something much more impactful by converting it into residential units instead.
This shift from hotel to housing explains some of the building’s unique features. The wide hallways, multiple elevators, and commercial spaces all make more sense when you know it started as a hospitality project.
S-Shaped Structure
Architect Alicia Loo designed this building with a distinctive S-curve that you can spot from miles away.
The structure stretches 39 floors into the sky and covers more than 1.47 million square meters. To put that in context, it’s roughly the size of 206 football fields stacked vertically.
The S-shape isn’t just for looks either. This design helps with wind resistance and creates more corner units, which means better views for residents. It’s functional architecture that happens to look pretty cool, too.
Residential Unit Variety
Inside this giant structure, you’ll find over 5,000 individual apartments. The variety is impressive.
You can rent everything from tiny studios perfect for young professionals to spacious multi-bedroom units for families. The developers planned the window placement carefully so most units get decent natural light and some kind of view.
Some apartments face the city, others look into the building’s internal courtyards. Each layout serves different needs and budgets.
Interior Spaces and Amenities
The inside of this building is where the “vertical city” concept comes to life.
Living Spaces
I’ve toured several units, and the interiors surprised me with their thoughtful design.
Most apartments feature open-plan layouts that make even smaller spaces feel roomier. The finishes are solid quality too – nothing fancy, but well-built and modern looking.
The developers focused on making every square foot count. You’ll find built-in storage solutions and furniture that serves multiple purposes. They understood that people living in compact spaces need smart design choices.
Community and Leisure Areas
This is where Regent International shines. The building has amenities that rival entire neighborhoods.
There are multiple gyms scattered throughout different floors, so you never have to travel far for a workout. Swimming pools give residents a place to relax and exercise. Restaurants and cafes mean you can grab everything from quick coffee to full meals without leaving home.
Families love the indoor play zones where kids can burn energy safely. Young professionals use the coworking spaces when they need a change of scenery from their apartments.
Commercial and Service Areas
The ground floors feel like a shopping mall crossed with a small town’s main street.
You can buy groceries at full-sized supermarkets, get your hair done at salons, and even visit healthcare facilities for basic medical needs. There are retail shops selling everything from clothes to electronics.
Some floors house educational institutions and professional workspaces. This means students can attend classes and workers can report to offices without ever stepping outside the building.
Advanced Features and Technology
The building packs some seriously impressive tech that makes daily life easier and more efficient.
Smart Home Integration
Living here feels like stepping into the future, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Most units come with app-based controls that let you manage your entire apartment from your phone. You can adjust lighting, change the temperature, and even control certain appliances before you get home from work.
I watched one resident dim their living room lights and start their air conditioning while still in the elevator. It’s not just cool tech for the sake of it – it makes life more convenient.
Sustainability Initiatives
The developers took environmental responsibility seriously when building this place.
Solar panels on the roof help power common areas and reduce electricity costs for everyone. The building captures rainwater for irrigation and non-drinking uses. They even recycle greywater from sinks and showers for things like flushing toilets.
The HVAC systems are designed to use less energy while keeping all 39 floors comfortable year-round. These features help keep utility costs lower for residents while reducing the building’s environmental impact.
Security Measures
With 20,000 people living in one building, security has to be top-notch.
Biometric scanners control access to different areas, so only authorized people can enter residential floors. CCTV cameras cover all common areas and entrances. Every resident gets keycards that track entry and exit for additional safety.
The system is thorough but not intrusive. Residents tell me they feel secure without feeling watched or restricted in their daily activities.
Affordability and Accessibility
One of the biggest surprises about Regent International is how reasonable the rent is.
Rental Range
Let me break down the numbers because they might shock you.
Basic studio apartments start at around 1,500 RMB per month, which converts to roughly USD 220. That’s incredibly affordable for what you get – a modern apartment in a building with world-class amenities.
If you want more space or premium features, larger units top out around 4,000 RMB monthly (about USD 550). Even at the higher end, you’re paying less than most people spend on rent in major American cities.
When I compare these prices to similar amenities elsewhere, it’s honestly hard to believe. You’re getting gym access, swimming pools, restaurants, and shopping all included in that monthly payment.
Target Residents
The pricing strategy makes perfect sense when you see who lives here.
Young professionals make up a huge portion of residents. They love having everything they need in one place, especially after long work days. The coworking spaces and fast internet make it easy for remote workers, too.
Students gravitate toward the smaller, cheaper units. The building’s location and amenities beat traditional dorms by a mile. Small families also find value here, particularly those who want urban convenience without urban prices.
It’s become a community of people who prioritize convenience and modern living over traditional housing setups.
Lifestyle Experience
Living here comes with real advantages, but it’s not perfect for everyone.
Benefits of Living in Regent International
The convenience factor is honestly incredible once you experience it firsthand.
I talked to residents who haven’t left the building in weeks, not because they’re stuck, but because they simply don’t need to. Groceries, work, gym, dining, socializing – it’s all right there. No commuting, no traffic, no weather delays.
What surprised me most was the community aspect. You’d think 20,000 people would feel anonymous, but many residents told me they know their neighbors better here than they did in traditional apartments. The shared spaces create natural meeting points where friendships form.
Kids play together in the indoor areas while parents chat. Young professionals grab coffee at the same cafe every morning and build routines together. It creates a village feel inside a massive building.
Potential Drawbacks
But let’s be honest about the challenges, too.
With this many people in one place, noise can be an issue. Elevators get crowded during peak hours. Finding parking spots requires patience. Some residents say the constant activity feels overwhelming at times.
There’s also something to consider about city life. While the building has everything you need, some people miss the variety and spontaneity of exploring different neighborhoods. You might feel disconnected from the broader city culture.
Emergency situations worry some residents, too. Moving 20,000 people quickly through limited exits would be complicated, though the building does have safety protocols in place.
Tips
Before You Consider Moving In:
- Visit during different times of day to check noise levels and elevator wait times
- Test the internet speed in the units you’re considering, especially if you work remotely
- Ask about utility costs and what’s included in your monthly rent
- Check which floors have the best cell phone reception
Making the Most of Building Amenities:
- Use the gym and pool during off-peak hours to avoid crowds
- Try different restaurants and cafes to find your favorites
- Join resident groups or activities to meet neighbors faster
- Take advantage of coworking spaces when your apartment feels too small
Living Comfortably with High Density:
- Keep noise-canceling headphones handy for busy periods
- Learn the building layout to find quieter routes and spaces
- Stock up on essentials during less busy shopping hours
- Build relationships with neighbors to create your community bubble
Safety and Practical Considerations:
- Know multiple exit routes from your floor
- Keep emergency supplies in your apartment
- Save important building contact numbers in your phone
- Understand the building’s emergency procedures and meeting points
Conclusion
Regent International Apartments truly stands out because it proves that high-density living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality of life. With 20,000 residents, world-class amenities, and affordable rent starting at just $220 monthly, it’s created something genuinely different in urban housing.
This building shows us what the future of city living might look like. As more people move to urban areas worldwide, we’ll need creative solutions for housing large populations efficiently.
But Regent International also teaches us important lessons about balance. While the convenience and community are impressive, we can’t ignore challenges like noise, emergency planning, and staying connected to the wider city.
The building works because it gives residents a choice. You can live completely self-contained or venture out whenever you want. That flexibility, combined with affordability and modern features, is what makes it a true standout in residential design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live at Regent International Apartments?
Rent starts at around 1,500 RMB (USD 220) monthly for basic studio apartments. Larger premium units cost up to 4,000 RMB (USD 550) per month, which includes access to all building amenities.
Can you live without leaving the building?
Yes, many residents do exactly that. The building has supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, healthcare facilities, and even workspaces, so you can handle most daily needs without going outside.
How many people live in the building?
Currently, over 20,000 people call Regent International home. The building has a capacity for up to 30,000 residents if every unit were occupied.
Is it safe to live in such a crowded building?
The building uses biometric access controls, CCTV monitoring, and keycard entry systems for security. However, emergency evacuation with this many residents does present logistical challenges that management continues to address.
What types of people live at Regent International?
The resident community consists mainly of young professionals, students, and small families. The affordable rent and convenient amenities appeal to people who prioritize modern living and urban convenience.
