Deemed a “Dystopian Apartment,” a building in China has recently gone viral on TikTok. Incredibly, it has the ability to host up to 30,000 residents.
The video was posted by @fatheristheone using a drone and caught people’s attention for more than just the impressive interior and unique design.
People were also astonished after seeing footage that truly captivates the enormity of the building.
Many people have read at least one novel focusing on a Dystopian society. Or at least understand that it describes a society that lives in fear or has been dehumanized.
Most works have been fiction, although some might argue they’re a possible warning about the future.
Either way, China currently has an apartment building that can house up to 30,000 residents at one time. Furthermore, containing everything residents could possibly need.
Features of the Dystopian Apartment
The “dystopian” apartment, called the Regent International, is located in Qianjiang Century City, more specifically, in Hangzhou’s central business district.
The building was actually designed by Alicia Loo, chief designer of a 7-star hotel called the Singapore Sands Hotel, and was inaugurated in 2013.
Impressively, the building is 675 feet tall and is currently home to around 20,000 residents. It is an S-shape and has 36, or 39, floors depending upon which side of the building you are.
Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most densely populated areas in the world, thanks to the numerous residents coexisting under one giant roof.
Within the more than 30 floors of the Regent International, there are a number of amenities. Some include restaurants, swimming pools, and nail salons.
The building also contains its own grocery stores and internet cafes. Essentially, anything one might find “in town” can be found indoors the “dystopian apartment”.
As a result, many residents may never step foot outside again. Posing the question, will they also never get any fresh air or feel the sunlight on their skin? First, the residents aren’t forced to stay indoors, nor are they forced to live in the “dystopian apartment.”
In contrast, most residents are young professionals and influencers or college students. Both of them greatly benefit from the cost-effectiveness and convenience of living in a place such as an S-shaped building.
Advantageous Living
Living there seems to be incredibly convenient for residents as they have everything they could possibly need under one roof.
Convenience isn’t the only advantage. Its affordability is another great benefit to living at Regent International.
Units vary in size and cost but range from 1,500 RMB, which is equivalent to around $200.00 per month, to 4,000 RMB, which is just under $600.00 per month.
While some are apprehensive, calling it a “dystopian apartment,” others have praised the innovation behind the building. It’s even been called “the most sustainable living building on earth.”
Another interesting advantage comes to light in the midst of a housing crisis that is seemingly sweeping the U.S. The “dystopian apartment” could serve as a model for how the U.S. can possibly create more living spaces for people without taking up copious amounts of land.
Interestingly, one state has already developed something like the hotel turned apartment city. Whittier, a city in Alaska, has a 14-floor building in which all 272 residents live. It, like the building in China, has everything one would find “in town.” This includes a church, school, post office, and police station.
Possible Downsides
Like everything in life, this, too, has pros and cons. After all, the building has been referred to as “dystopian apartment” for a reason.
As previously mentioned, many people are wondering how so many people can live in one place. U.S. residents tend to prefer privacy. Space from their neighbors. Even a yard to hang out in or for their dogs to play.
A major drawback to a housing solution like this is that people will have very little space of their own, with little opportunity to be outdoors or get fresh air. Luckily, the problem of getting fresh air can be remedied by taking a stroll or renting one of the larger units in the Regent International, as some come with balconies, providing some relief from living in there.
I Discovered My Neighbors Had Been Covertly Using My Hot Tub for a Year – I Gave Them a Memorable Lesson
Charlotte never thinks her quiet neighborhood hides secrets. But when she finds out her neighbors have been secretly using her hot tub for a year, she feels shocked and angry. She decides to teach them a lesson they won’t forget. But as she digs deeper, she discovers even more surprising things about the people living next door. What are they hiding?
It was a sunny afternoon, and I was sitting in my backyard, looking at our hot tub.
Tom and I bought our dream house a few years ago, complete with this beautiful backyard and the hot tub.
We were thrilled back then, imagining all the relaxing evenings we would spend soaking in the warm bubbles.
We knew our neighbors but weren’t particularly close. Jim and Lisa lived next door with their teenage children, Emma and Jake. They seemed nice enough, but we never really got to know them well.
Normally, Tom and I would use the hot tub a lot, especially on weekends. But this year, things were different.
I had started a new job that required a lot of travel, and Tom was working extra hours to cover for a coworker who was out on medical leave. It felt like we were always busy, and our hot tub had been neglected for months.
I missed those quiet moments of relaxation we used to have together.
I sighed, feeling a bit nostalgic. We really need to make time for ourselves again, I thought. The hot tub looked lonely, covered, and unused. It was a reminder of how our lives had changed.
I decided to call Tom. “Hey, honey,” I said when he answered, “I was thinking we need to start using the hot tub again. It’s been too long.”
Tom laughed softly. “I agree, Charlotte. Let’s plan for this weekend. We could both use some relaxation.”
I smiled, feeling a bit more hopeful. Maybe things could get back to how they used to be, even if just for a little while.
But before we could enjoy the hot tub again, our neighbor Lisa stopped by one afternoon
“Charlotte, can I talk to you for a minute?” she asked, looking a bit uncomfortable
“Sure, Lisa. What’s up?” I replied, curious about what she wanted to say.
“I hate to bring this up, but could you and Tom keep it down in the evenings on the weekends?” Lisa said, glancing at her feet. “There was loud music and shouting coming from your backyard last Sunday as well. Look, I’ve been quiet all this while, but it’s going to be a year now. The noise is really annoying.”
I stared at her, surprised. “But Lisa, Tom and I were out of town on Sunday. We weren’t even here. We’re out almost every weekend.”
One evening, as Tom and I soaked in the hot tub, I looked around our peaceful backyard and smiled. “We did it, Tom,” I said. “We got our home back.”
Tom nodded, holding my hand. “And we strengthened our community in the process. I couldn’t be prouder of us.”
It was a hard lesson in trust and vigilance, but it made us all stronger and more connected. And for that, I was truly grateful.
What would you have done?
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