China Zun, Supertall skyscraper in Jianwai Subdistrict, Beijing, China.
China Zun, also called CITIC Tower, is a 528-metre, 109-storey skyscraper in Beijing's Central Business District. Its light grey glass facade is marked by closely spaced vertical lines running the full height, crossed by horizontal bands of darker rectangular panels near the top and lower down. The tower narrows from a wide base to a rounded top, rising behind lower buildings.
CITIC Group won the Z15 plot in Beijing's CBD in December 2010 for 6.3 billion yuan, and the groundbreaking took place on 19 September 2011. On 18 August 2016 the rising structure passed China World Trade Center Tower III to become Beijing's tallest building. Structural topping-out came on 18 August 2017, and the tower opened on 1 January 2020.
The building's shape draws from an ancient Chinese bronze ritual vessel called zun, blending traditional design language with modern construction. This curved silhouette reflects symbols rooted in Chinese history and customs.
The building connects to an underground transit network linking four subway lines across three stations, making it easily accessible by public transport. Inside, 101 elevators serve different sections, helping visitors and workers navigate the massive structure.
The rooftop helipad at 522 metres makes CITIC Tower the tallest building in the world with a rooftop helipad, as of 2024. The tower's top three floors, including the level 108 observatory, were reported in 2018 to have been taken over by national-security authorities because Zhongnanhai is visible from there on clear days; the observatory remained closed to the public as of 2025.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,802 contributors worldwide.
