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Inside Dystopian Apartment Block Where 20,000 Residents Don’t Need To Go Outside

Imagine a place where you never need to step outside again.

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Finding the perfect home can be tough, right?

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You want a spot that’s great for work, close to friends and family, affordable, and maybe with some entertainment nearby.

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But what if your apartment complex had everything you needed, all under one roof?

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Utopian dream or dystopian nightmare?

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For 20,000 residents in one of China’s largest buildings, this is reality.

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 Welcome to Regent International, a colossal structure in Qianjiang Century City, in Hangzhou’s central business district.

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Regent International isn’t just a building; it’s a city within a city.

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Standing tall at 675 feet, this behemoth offers a staggering 260,000 square meters of space.

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Designed by Alicia Loo, the mastermind behind Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, this structure was originally meant to be a six-star hotel.

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Now, it’s a thriving residential complex.

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But why do residents rarely leave?

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 Picture this: you wake up, grab breakfast at the massive food court, get a quick haircut at one of the barber shops, pick up groceries at the supermarket, maybe get your nails done, and then relax by the pool.

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 All without stepping outside.

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 Yes, the Regent International has it all.

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From nail salons and internet cafes to swimming pools and supermarkets, it’s like a small town contained within one building.

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The building’s sheer scale has turned it into an internet sensation.

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Thanks to viral TikTok videos, millions have marveled at drone footage showcasing its immensity.

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User @fatheristheone highlighted its grandeur, capturing the imagination of viewers worldwide.

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But what’s it really like to live there?

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For many, it’s an attractive option.

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The swanky apartments are particularly popular with students, graduates, and young professionals.

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Despite the luxurious amenities, the cost of living is surprisingly reasonable.

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Small, windowless apartments can be rented for around 1,500 RMB per month ($210).

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 Larger units with balconies go for about 4,000 RMB per month ($570).

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Let’s delve into the backstory of this architectural marvel.

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 The concept of self-contained living isn’t new in China.

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 As cities rapidly urbanized, the demand for convenient, all-inclusive residential complexes grew.

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Regent International was conceived during a period of economic boom and urban sprawl.

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The project aimed to address the needs of the modern urbanite: convenience, luxury, and community.

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 Alicia Loo’s vision was revolutionary.

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 She took inspiration from global landmarks and combined it with local needs.

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Initially set to be a high-end hotel, market demands shifted, and the project pivoted to a residential complex.

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This shift was a response to the increasing population and the housing crunch in Hangzhou.

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Today, Regent International stands as a testament to futuristic urban living.

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It’s more than just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle.

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Residents can enjoy a plethora of facilities that make stepping outside almost unnecessary.

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Yet, this self-sufficiency comes with its own set of questions.

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Is this the future of urban living or a step towards isolation?

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Despite the debate, there’s no denying the allure.

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The Regent International offers a glimpse into a world where convenience reigns supreme.

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For its 20,000 residents, it’s not just about having a place to stay; it’s about having everything they need right at their doorstep.

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Whether this concept will become more widespread remains to be seen.

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But for now, it’s a fascinating glimpse into how urban living might evolve.

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