Taipei 101

skyscrapers · Taiwan · architecture

Tallest in Taiwan. Taipei 101 is a 508-meter-tall building with 101 stories that rises above Taipei's skyline like a giant pencil made of glass and steel.

World record holder. When it opened on December 31, 2004, Taipei 101 was officially the tallest building in the entire world until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai took the title in 2009.

Named for its floors. The building's name comes from its 101 stories, and the number 8 appears throughout its design because it's considered lucky in Chinese culture.

Engineering wonder. Taipei 101 has special systems to keep it stable during typhoons and earthquakes, including a giant damper that shifts inside the building to counteract shaking.

Glowing icon. At night, the building is lit up with colorful lights that can be seen across the city, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Asia.