China's tallest building nears finish in Shanghai

A topping out ceremony has been held for China’s tallest building in the financial hub of Shanghai. At 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower in the city’s Pudong district is the world’s second-tallest building, surpassed only by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which soars 829.8 meters.

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Workers arrange the banner at the bottom of the Shanghai Tower under construction in Shanghai. Photo: AP

Published: 1:40pm, 3 Aug 2013Updated: 2:13am, 4 Aug 2013

A topping out ceremony has been held for China’s tallest building in the financial hub of Shanghai.

Onlookers watch as work on the main structure of China's tallest building - and the world's second tallest - is finished. The last steel beam was installed at the top of Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, 580 metres above the ground, officially making it Asia's tallest tower ahead of Taiwan's 509-metre Taipei 101 building. Photo: Xinhua

At 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower in the city’s Pudong district is the world’s second-tallest building, surpassed only by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, which soars 829.8 meters.

Topping out means the final beam has been placed at the top of the building. Once completed next year, the Shanghai Tower will have retail and office space, and a luxury hotel. It was designed by the US architectural firm Gensler.

China’s booming economy has fuelled a building frenzy, including some of the world’s tallest buildings. The Shanghai Tower replaces the Shanghai World Financial Center — completed in 2007 — as the country’s highest building.