The world is full of towering landmarks that can be described as man-made wonders. These tall structures are found in different continents and countries around the globe. They are usually tourist attractions that attract visitors from different parts of the world. However, the question that arises is, where is the largest towering landmark located? This article aims to explore some of the world’s most towering landmarks and their locations.
Burj Khalifa
The first towering landmark we will be discussing is Burj Khalifa. Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper found in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is currently the world’s tallest building standing at 828 meters tall. The construction of Burj Khalifa began in 2004, and it was officially opened in 2010. The building has an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline, making it a popular tourist destination.
Interesting Facts About Burj Khalifa
- Burj Khalifa is named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the current president of the United Arab Emirates.
- The building holds several world records such as being the highest outdoor observation deck, highest number of stories, and the tallest service elevator in the world.
- Burj Khalifa is so tall that people on higher floors experience a longer day than those on the lower floors. This is because they are farther from the earth’s center, and therefore the rotation of the earth is slower.
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is a skyscraper that is located in Shanghai, China, and is the world’s second-tallest building standing at 632 meters tall. The tower was officially opened in 2015 and has a total of 128 floors. It is one of the main landmarks in the city, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Interesting Facts About Shanghai Tower
- Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and Asia.
- The building has a double-decker elevator system that can transport passengers from the ground floor to the 119th floor in less than a minute.
- Shanghai Tower was designed with a twisted shape to reduce wind load, making it more stable in windy weather conditions.
Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower
Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower is situated in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is the third tallest building in the world, standing at 601 meters tall. The building was completed in 2012 and houses a hotel, offices, and a shopping mall. The iconic clock tower is also an important Islamic symbol, and its clock is said to be the world’s largest and most expensive clock.
Interesting Facts About Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower
- The building holds the record for the world’s largest clock face and largest gold mosaic in the world.
- The clock tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the world, and it is 76 meters higher than the famous clock tower in London, England known as Big Ben.
- The building can accommodate over 30,000 worshipers during prayer times, making it the largest mosque in Saudi Arabia.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is located in Taipei, Taiwan, and was officially opened in 2004. The building stands at 508 meters tall and has 101 floors, hence its name. It was the world’s tallest building until 2010 when the Burj Khalifa was completed.
Interesting Facts About Taipei 101
- Taipei 101 is the world’s largest wind damper used in a skyscraper to resist the movement caused by strong winds and earthquakes.
- The building’s elevator is among the fastest in the world, traveling at a top speed of 60.6 km/hr.
- Taipei 101’s height is a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture.
Tallest Towers vs Tallest Buildings
It is essential to note that towering landmarks consist of both towers and buildings. While both structures have similarities, there are a few differences between the two. A tower is a tall structure that is not habitable, such as transmission towers, while a skyscraper is a tall, habitable building that is usually used for commercial or residential purposes. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are an example of twin towers that are considered skyscrapers because they are habitable. However, the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, is considered a tower since it is not habitable.
Conclusion
There are numerous samples of towering landmarks in the world, from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower found in Mecca. These structures not only serve as a testament to human engineering and design but also provide unique experiences for tourists who visit. While many people may believe that the Burj Khalifa holds the record for the world’s tallest structure, the truth is that there are taller landmarks such as the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower and Shanghai Tower. Regardless of which landmark is the tallest, one thing is sure, they all provide breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences to their visitors.
Most Common Questions and Their Answers Related to the Topic ‘Where is the Largest’
- Q: What is the tallest building in the world?
- A: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters tall.
- Q: What is the tallest tower in the world?
- A: The tallest tower in the world is the Tokyo Skytree in Japan, standing at 634 meters tall.
- Q: What is the difference between a tower and a skyscraper?
- A: A tower is a tall structure that is not habitable, while a skyscraper is a tall, habitable building that is usually used for commercial or residential purposes.
- Q: What is the tallest free-standing structure in the world?
- A: The tallest free-standing structure in the world is the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, which stands at 553 meters tall.
- Q: What is the tallest building in China?
- A: The tallest building in China is the Shanghai Tower, which stands at 632 meters tall.
References
1. “The world’s tallest buildings”. CNN Style.
2. “Burj Khalifa – The World’s Tallest Building”. Burj Khalifa.
3. “Shanghai Tower”. CTBUH.
4. “Abraj Al Bait”. CTBUH.
5. “Taipei 101 – The World’s Tallest Green Building”. Taipei 101.
6. “The World’s Largest Shopping Malls”. World Atlas.
7. “Why The World’s Tallest Towers Keep Getting Taller”. National Geographic.