Ranked: The Cities with the Most Skyscrapers in 2023
China has fully embraced the vertical revolution when it comes to impressive skylines and architectural marvels.
Using data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), we have compiled a graphic showcasing the top 25 cities around the world with the highest number of skyscrapers and supertall buildings.
It’s no surprise that China’s cities take the lead in the list, further cementing the country’s status as a dominant force in the construction of skyscrapers worldwide.
The 25 Top Cities by Skyscraper Count
Hong Kong takes the top spot on the chart, boasting a staggering 657 skyscrapers, which includes six supertalls that stand over 300 meters tall.
| Rank | City | Country | Skyscrapers (>150m) | Supertalls (>300m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong | 🇨🇳 China | 657 | 6 |
| 2 | Shenzhen | 🇨🇳 China | 513 | 16 |
| 3 | New York City | 🇺🇸 United States | 421 | 16 |
| 4 | Dubai | 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | 395 | 28 |
| 5 | Guangzhou | 🇨🇳 China | 254 | 11 |
| 6 | Shanghai | 🇨🇳 China | 250 | 5 |
| 7 | Kuala Lumpur | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 211 | 5 |
| 8 | Chongqing | 🇨🇳 China | 205 | 5 |
| 9 | Tokyo | 🇯🇵 Japan | 200 | 0 |
| 10 | Wuhan | 🇨🇳 China | 183 | 5 |
| 11 | Chicago | 🇺🇸 United States | 178 | 7 |
| 12 | Jakarta | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 160 | 1 |
| 13 | Chengdu | 🇨🇳 China | 150 | 0 |
| 14 | Bangkok | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 133 | 3 |
| 15 | Shenyang | 🇨🇳 China | 129 | 3 |
| 16 | Singapore | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 128 | 0 |
| 17 | Nanning | 🇨🇳 China | 122 | 6 |
| 18 | Mumbai | 🇮🇳 India | 114 | 0 |
| 19 | Tianjin | 🇨🇳 China | 109 | 3 |
| 20 | Nanjing | 🇨🇳 China | 108 | 7 |
| 21 | Toronto | 🇨🇦 Canada | 106 | 0 |
| 22 | Busan | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 106 | 4 |
| 23 | Seoul | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 104 | 2 |
| 24 | Changsha | 🇨🇳 China | 97 | 5 |
| 25 | Melbourne | 🇦🇺 Australia | 94 | 1 |
The Pearl River Delta, an emerging megacity, boasts of over 1,500 skyscrapers and comprises Hong Kong, Shenzhen (ranked #2), and Guangzhou (ranked #5). It’s fascinating to note that Shenzhen, which was once a tiny fishing village, has transformed dramatically since the 1970s.
With an impressive tally of 421 skyscrapers, New York City has secured the third position on the list. The city’s skyline is globally renowned and a symbol of pride, prominently featuring the iconic Empire State Building. Despite relinquishing its title to Chinese cities, the Empire State Building enjoys widespread familiarity. However, it no longer ranks among the world’s 50 tallest structures, which is noteworthy.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates secures the fourth position in the list with a whopping 395 skyscrapers, out of which 28 are supertalls. This desert city has gained global recognition for its extravagant architecture and awe-inspiring structures, with the most prominent being the Burj Khalifa. This iconic marvel stands tall at 828 meters (2,715 ft) and holds the title for being the tallest building in the world.
China’s Numbers in Context
If we view the data from a different angle, it becomes apparent that China has a greater number of skyscrapers on this particular list than all other countries combined.
| Country | Cities in Top 25 | Skyscrapers | Supertalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳 China | 12 | 2777 | 72 |
| 🌐 Rest of World | 13 | 2350 | 67 |
China has achieved an impressive feat due to its rapid urbanization, economic growth, and ambitious construction projects. The country’s pursuit of vertical development, along with its booming population and thriving cities, has established China as the unequivocal leader in the worldwide skyscraper competition.
The Future of the Global Skyline
The world of architecture is continuously evolving, and we can expect to witness many more supertall skyscrapers that will redefine skylines across the world.
City dwellers around the world will be captivated by these impressive architectural projects for years to come. The Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, set to surpass the Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building, will soar to new heights. Meanwhile, the Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled to open in June 2023, is poised to claim the title of the world’s second-tallest structure. Both projects are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees them.
China’s dominance in the world of skyscrapers is expected to remain unchallenged, despite the emergence of new monumental buildings. The country boasts three cities in the top five globally for the tallest buildings, showcasing its continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of architecture and engineering.
