Shanghai is often called eastern New York. Indeed, this city today is a major business and economic center, and with its number of modern business centers and high-rise towers, it can compete with the American "Big Apple". One of the main attractions of Shanghai is the Jin Mao tower. What is interesting about this building, how it was built and can it be visited today?
Modern technologies and fidelity to traditions
Skyscraper Jin Mao was built with the help of American architects. Construction began in 1994. And after 4 years, on August 28, 1998, a grand opening was held. The tower was fully operational in 1999. At the time of completion, this skyscraper was the fourth tallest in the world. It was surpassed only by the Willis Tower in Chicago (1974), the World Trade Center in New York (1971, destroyed in 2001), and the twin towers in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) Petronas. Jin Mao remained the tallest building in Shanghai until 2008, when the Shanghai World Financial Center was built in the city . Despite the ultramodern appearance, the tower is made in full accordance with the traditions of the East. Take a closer look at it, even visually you can see some similarities with the pagoda - a traditional Chinese building.
Magic number
In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered a sign of well-being. Not surprisingly, it was used to calculate all the basic proportions in such a magnificent structure. In the skyscraper only 88 floors (together with belvedere - 93). In height, the Jin Mao tower is divided into 16 segments, each one 1/8 less than the base. The central concrete frame of the structure has 8 corners, it is surrounded by 8 composite columns and as many external steel ones. Thanks to this architecture on a general plan, the building looks like a giant cob of corn. But, of course, the designers did not strive to give it similar similarity, but only relied on the eastern traditions. An interesting fact is that for the solemn opening of the tower a number was also chosen, consisting of eights - August 28, 1998.
The secret of stability and design features
When building high-rise buildings, great attention is paid to compliance with safety rules and regulations. A typical feature of Shanghai is the unsatisfactory quality of the upper layers of the soil. At the base of the skyscraper there are 1062 steel pillars, the piles go to the ground to a depth of 83.5 meters. At the time of the tower construction it is a record indicator for the traditional ground construction in the world. The foundation is surrounded by a concrete wall 1 meter thick, which extends 36 meters into the depth. The design of the Jin Mao skyscraper is thought out to the smallest detail and meets all safety standards. The building is able to withstand a hurricane wind speed of up to 200 m / s, as well as earthquakes up to 7 points on the Richter scale. On the 57th floor there is a swimming pool, which serves as a shock absorber, and steel columns have movable elements.
Jin Mao: height and other important characteristics
The total height of the skyscraper is about 420 meters (93 floors). But do not worry: you can go upstairs and go downstairs very quickly. In the tower there are 61 high-speed lifts, traveling at a speed of 9.1 m / s, the journey from the first to the last floor will take only 46 minutes. The skyscraper builders also prepared an interesting surprise: all the plaques in the cabins in Chinese, but there will not be any difficulties with understanding. Since in addition to the inscriptions on the wall of elevators, one can see a graphic drawing of the tower, in the contour of which a luminous dot depicting the elevator moves and visually demonstrates to passengers their location. Inside the skyscraper there is an atrium - a central inner circular space, having a diameter of 27 meters and a height of 142 meters. Its total length is from 56 to 87 floors. Around the free space, as if spiraling corridors, a total of 28. The skyscraper is made of reinforced concrete and metal, on the glass facade there are insets and decorative elements made of granite, aluminum and stainless steel.
And what's inside?
The Tower of Jin Mao is not only a business center, but also a chic hotel. The first two floors are occupied by the elite hotel Grand Hyatt, here is its lobby and banquet halls. From 3 to 50 floors - offices, followed by two technical floors, and from 53 to 87 floors - the main zone of the hotel complex. For the convenience of visitors in the tower only 3 entrances, two of which lead to offices, and one - to the hotel. On the 88th floor there is an observation deck, which has a spectacular view of the city, and above (in the spire) are two more technical floors. Hotel Grand Hyatt 5 * is a modern hotel complex, which has everything you need for living and relaxing. Of course, living in it is not cheap. If desired, it is not difficult to find a less expensive option of accommodation within walking distance from the majestic skyscraper.
Observation deck
Skywalk is a place accessible for a tourist visit. The total area of the observation deck is 1.5 km 2 , at a time here can comfortably accommodate about 1000 people. Through panoramic windows you can see the whole city as in the palm of your hand. From a bird's-eye view, Shanghai is not at all like the earth. The quarter of business centers seems like toy houses, and even the local television tower "Eastern Pearl" does not look too huge. On the panoramic windows you can read the names of the major cities and the distance to them from your location at the moment. But if you do not have enough of these impressions, do not forget to look down - at the atrium of the hotel. Attention: visiting the observation deck makes sense only in good weather. In days when the spire of a skyscraper is not visible due to clouds, it's pointless to waste time on such a tour. Visit the landmark is available daily from 08:30 to 21:00. The tour is paid, but believe me, its cost justifies the received impressions. On the observation deck usually there is an active trade in all sorts of souvenirs, but do not rush to make purchases here: in urban "land" shops it will all be cheaper.
Golden prosperity
The interior interiors of the skyscraper impress with its respectability and an abundance of all shades of gold. And it is not surprising, because "golden prosperity" is a literal translation of the name Jin Mao. The construction of the skyscraper was conducted with observance of all traditions of the East and using the latest developments. As a result, we can see an incredibly beautiful and reliable building, which will soon celebrate its twenty-year anniversary. How to get on the tour and where is the tower of Jin Mao? Photo of this sights "in growth" is better to do from afar. The skyscraper is located near the city of Pudong, the nearest metro station is Lujiazui.