China’s Horizontal Skyscraper The Crystal in Chongqing Explained

A monumental piece of engineering in China appears to defy gravity, linking four vast towers with an extraordinary suspended structure. This pioneering horizontal building rethinks what modern urban architecture can be, delivering an almost unbelievable sight on the skyline.

How does the design of this horizontal skyscraper work?

Known as The Crystal, the project sits majestically more than 250 metres above the city streets. The skybridge-like structure is colossal: it stretches for almost 300 metres across the tops of the imposing buildings in this busy Chinese metropolis.

This striking aerial walkway seamlessly joins four primary towers and also reaches two neighbouring structures via specialised suspended links. Inside, the total enclosed area exceeds 97,000 square metres, showcasing technology on a scale rarely seen in world engineering.

• Incredible dimensions: Around 300 metres long (984 feet) and roughly 33 metres wide (107 feet) at its full width.
• Urban connectivity: Brings together four major towers and extends out to two side structures.
• Innovative design: Conceived by the acclaimed firm Safdie Architects as a genuine three-dimensional city.

Why was Chongqing chosen for this project?

This dense metropolis is home to a vast population of more than 31 million people and faces serious limits on available land. In response to those constraints, the developers chose to make use of the space above the ground, creating connections intended to be fully public.

Placed strategically at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, the mixed-use complex improves how people move around without adding pressure to conventional streets. With this approach, residents and visitors can access shops, restaurants and elevated leisure areas with genuine comfort and enhanced safety.

What were the civil engineering challenges?

Constructing a metal mega-structure with a weight comparable to the Eiffel Tower demanded fresh technical solutions and meticulous planning. Specialists had to devise advanced methods to ensure stability against strong local winds and the persistent mist common to that specific riverside region.

Advanced assembly logistics

Mass load lifting at height

Three intermediate sections of the steel structure were assembled entirely at ground level and then hoisted into position with millimetre-level accuracy. The operation relied on synchronised hydraulic jacks to raise blocks weighing more than two million pounds each.

To clad this immense suspended landmark with precision, the construction team integrated highly durable, high-tech materials. The formidable outer façade combines refined aesthetics with structural protection, using the following components highlighted by the engineering team:

• Around 3,000 high-strength glass panels to bring in natural light.
• Approximately 5,000 faceted aluminium panels on the exterior.
• An integrated concertina-style framework that supports the entire façade.

What do visitors find inside?

Indoors, the space operates like a lively elevated neighbourhood, filled with varied entertainment options and luxury tourism experiences. Visitors enjoy superb climate-controlled environments that turn the city’s skyline into a constant visual display of spectacular three-dimensional architecture.

The signature public attraction brings together multiple modern leisure facilities designed for both excitement and deep relaxation. Across its full length, the development provides several integrated, high-standard services for citizens, including the key amenities listed below:

• An observation deck with a transparent glass floor spanning about 1,486 square metres (16,000 square feet).
• An exclusive exhibition created in direct partnership with National Geographic.
• An infinity-edge swimming pool measuring roughly 50 metres (164 feet).
• Upscale restaurants, stylish bars, sky gardens and venues for major events.

What is the real impact of this development?

The estimated billion-level investment of about 24 billion yuan underlines the developers’ extraordinary economic ambition. That substantial funding enabled the delivery of hundreds of retail units, thousands of parking spaces, and highly modernised, integrated access to public transport.

This vast engineering achievement demonstrates that contemporary buildings do not need to grow only vertically into clear skies. Looking ahead, new urban structures may operate as multifunctional suspended bridges-connecting communities and creating strong opportunities for successful, globalised tourism.

References: CapitaLand opens 250-metre-high glass-bottom Exploration Deck at Raffles City Chongqing to eager visitors | CapitaLand