A viral TikTok video recently showcased an extraordinary apartment building in China, nicknamed the “Dystopian Apartment,” capable of accommodating up to 30,000 residents. Shared by the user @fatheristheone, the video, captured with a drone, reveals the sheer scale, innovative design, and impressive interior features of the building. While the structure has sparked awe among viewers, it also raises questions about its implications for modern urban living and human connection.
The building in question is officially known as Regent International and is located in Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou. Designed by Alicia Loo, the chief architect behind Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the Regent International was completed in 2013. Standing at an impressive 675 feet tall, it can house approximately 20,000 residents, though its capacity can stretch to 30,000 at maximum occupancy. Its unique S-shaped structure, spanning 36 to 39 floors depending on the side, makes it one of the most densely populated residential spaces in the world.
At first glance, the building’s nickname—“Dystopian Apartment”—may conjure images of a cold, oppressive society often depicted in science fiction. Novels about dystopian worlds typically paint societies stripped of humanity, where people live in fear and isolation. While these tales are often cautionary fiction, seeing such a densely populated building in reality can make people pause and reflect. However, life in Regent International is far from bleak, as many of its residents find the building’s design practical, efficient, and even ideal for modern living.
Inside Regent International, residents enjoy a self-contained, fully functional micro-city. The building includes amenities that cater to every possible need, such as grocery stores, restaurants, internet cafes, nail salons, and swimming pools. It even features fitness centers and other recreational spaces, offering opportunities for both relaxation and community interaction. The presence of so many services under one roof allows residents to enjoy a level of convenience that traditional apartment complexes rarely offer. For young professionals, influencers, and college students—the building’s primary demographic—this arrangement is both cost-effective and time-saving.
Affordability plays a significant role in Regent International’s popularity. Rental units are available in a variety of sizes and price points, with monthly rates ranging from 1,500 RMB (roughly $200) to 4,000 RMB (just under $600). In a city where living costs can be high, this provides an appealing option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing access to essential services. For many residents, the convenience and financial benefits far outweigh any perceived downsides of living in such a densely populated space.
Critics of the Regent International have expressed concerns about its scale, leading to its characterization as “dystopian.” One major worry is the potential lack of fresh air, sunlight, and outdoor interaction for residents who may spend the majority of their time indoors. The drone footage that went viral reinforced this impression, showing an overwhelming sense of scale that some found unsettling. However, it’s essential to understand that residents are not confined to the building. They are free to leave at any time, and many lead active lives both inside and outside the apartment complex.
Interestingly, Regent International’s innovative approach to vertical living has also been praised as a forward-thinking solution to urban housing challenges. The building’s design optimizes land use and reduces environmental impact, earning it praise as “one of the most sustainable living buildings on earth.” By consolidating living spaces, amenities, and resources under one roof, the complex offers an efficient model for housing large populations without requiring vast amounts of land.
The concept of densely populated, self-contained living spaces is not unique to China. In Whittier, Alaska, a similar idea has already been implemented on a smaller scale. A 14-story building in the town serves as a home to all 272 residents, resembling a hotel repurposed into an apartment complex. Like Regent International, this building includes essential services such as a school, church, post office, and police station, creating a self-sufficient community under a single roof. For Whittier residents, this arrangement provides convenience and a strong sense of community despite the town’s remote location.
In the midst of the housing crisis in the United States, the Regent International model offers intriguing possibilities for urban development. With cities facing increasing population densities and shrinking land availability, vertical living solutions could help address housing shortages while minimizing environmental impact. Critics may call it “dystopian,” but the practicality and sustainability of such structures cannot be ignored.
Ultimately, the perception of Regent International—and buildings like it—depends on perspective. While some view it as an overwhelming and impersonal living arrangement, others see it as a visionary solution to the challenges of modern urban life. For its residents, the building represents convenience, affordability, and efficiency. Far from the grim dystopia its nickname suggests, Regent International serves as a functional, thriving community where people can work, play, and live comfortably under one roof.
The future of urban housing may look more like Regent International than we realize. As cities continue to grow and face new challenges, innovative designs that maximize space and resources will become increasingly important. While the “Dystopian Apartment” label may linger, Regent International stands as a thought-provoking example of how humanity can adapt to the evolving demands of urban life. Whether hailed as visionary or critiqued as unsettling, it undeniably raises questions about the way we live now and what the future of housing may hold.
