In this article, we will be taking a look at the 30 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the global construction industry, you can go directly to 5 Cities with the Most Skyscrapers in the World.
Global Construction Market to Reach $20 Trillion
The construction market plays a crucial role in economic and social development by creating infrastructure and buildings that support various sectors. According to a report by The Business Research Company, the global construction market was estimated to have reached a value of $15.19 trillion in 2023. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2024 to 2033 to reach a value of $19.85 trillion by the end of the forecast period. In 2023, the Asia-Pacific was the largest region and North America was the second-largest region in the global construction market.
As the world’s population continues to expand, there is an increasing demand for residential and infrastructure construction to accommodate the growing population. The increasing trend towards urban living is leading to the construction of new cities and the expansion of existing urban areas, driving market growth. Governments around the world continue to invest in infrastructure development to spur economic growth and improve quality of life, which also contributes to the growth of the construction market. Economic development also leads to an increase in demand for commercial and industrial construction, as businesses seek to expand and upgrade their facilities. This is further augmenting market growth.
Major Players in the Global Construction Market
The global construction market is fragmented in nature, with numerous key players competing and coexisting. Some of the most notable names are Vinci SA (EPA:DG), Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN), and Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR).
Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) is a major provider of structural building products and construction services in the US. Serving the market for new residential construction, repair, and remodeling, the company manufactures and supplies building materials, related products, prefabricated components, and value-added services. Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) also ranked high on our list of construction stocks that billionaires are loading up on. On February 22, Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:BLDR) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $3.55, surpassing EPS estimates by $0.97. The company reported a revenue of $4.15 billion and outperformed revenue estimates by $120.4 million. Here are some comments from Builders FirstSource, Inc.’s (NYSE:BLDR) Q4 2023 earnings call:
“As we begin 2024, we are excited about the opportunities in front of us. We remain focused on profitable growth by leading with our value-added solutions, deploying our digital platform, and expanding in desirable markets through our proven M&A strategy. These initiatives, along with our commitment to efficient operations and disciplined capital deployment, will continue to compound long-term shareholder value. Our investments in value-added and digital solutions are driving clear market differentiation, delivering greater efficiency, and empowering the next generation of home building.”
Vinci SA (EPA:DG) is a French concessions, energy, and construction company. The company’s construction division specializes in building, civil engineering, and infrastructure activities. As one of the world’s largest construction companies, Vinci SA (EPA:DG) is active in more than 120 countries. On February 1, Vinci SA (EPA:DG) announced that Seymour Whyte, part of VINCI Construction, has completed the Melbourne Port Rail Transformation Project in Australia. Seymour Whyte has delivered 2.7 km of new rail infrastructure at the port, including a new rail terminal. The primary aim of this project was to enhance ship-to-rail capabilities and reduce the traffic of trucks on the metropolitan road network. Over the course of two years, Seymour Whyte constructed two new rail sidings for 600-meter-long trains, built and relocated 1.2 km of roads for heavy vehicles, and laid down 70,000 square meters of pavement for containers. On March 11, Vinci SA (EPA:DG) reported that VINCI Construction has secured a new railway contract in France for the renewal of 800 kilometers of track in the French railway network. This 7-year contract, which includes two optional years of additional work, is valued at around EUR 700 million.
Major players in the construction market are focusing on innovations in construction technologies and materials to increase construction efficiency and reduce costs. Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) is an American home construction company. It is one of the largest construction companies in the US. On February 9, Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) announced that its Next Gen "Home within A Home" floorplan is now available at four new master-planned communities in the Tampa area. These communities include Berry Bay and Balm Grove in Wimauma, Stonegate in Palmetto, and Triple Creek in Riverview. This new design features a private suite with a separate entrance, catering to Tampa families with multiple generations living together. Each home is equipped with Lennar Corporation's (NYSE:LEN) signature Everything's Included program, offering popular features to homebuyers at no extra charge.
Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the global construction market, let’s take a look at the 30 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world.
30 Cities with the Most Skyscrapers in the World
A modern skyscraper in a busy city, symbolizing the prominence of the financial services company.
Methodology
In this article, we have listed the 30 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. While there is no absolute definition of what constitutes a skyscraper, various sources define skyscrapers as being at least 100 meters or 150 meters tall. To collect data for our list, we consulted the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). This database provided us with a list of cities that house the highest number of buildings that are over 150 meters in height. We used the data available to narrow down our selection and rank the 30 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world, which are listed below in ascending order.
30 Cities with the Most Skyscrapers in the World
30. Dalian - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 59
Dalian is a modern port city in China’s Liaoning province. The city is a financial, transportation, and logistics center for East Asia. Home to 59 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters, Dalian ranks among the 30 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world.
29. Miami - United States
Number of Skyscrapers: 61
Miami is a coastal metropolis in the US state of Florida that has one of the tallest skylines in the country. The city is a major center and leader in business, finance, and culture. Miami boasts an impressive collection of 61 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
28. Changsha - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 65
Changsha is the capital and most populated city of China’s Hunan province. It is a large city and a major commercial and innovation hub within China. The city of Changsha is home to 65 buildings that are over 150 meters tall.
27. Beijing - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 65
Beijing, China’s capital city, ranks 27th on our list of the cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. As a global city, Beijing is a leading center for culture, politics, finance, business, economics, education, technology, and transportation. The city is also home to the headquarters of some of the world’s biggest companies. Beijing boasts an impressive collection of 65 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
26. Panama City - Panama
Number of Skyscrapers: 67
Panama City, the capital and most populated city of Panama is a modern city. It is the country’s administrative and political center, as well as a hub for commerce and banking. Panama City is home to 67 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
25. Nanjing - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 73
Nanjing, the capital of China’s Jiangsu province, ranks among the top 25 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. It is a megacity and a major center of culture, economy, education, politics, transport, and tourism. Nanjing is home to 73 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
24. Tianjin - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 76
Tianjin is a metropolis in Northern China. It is a large coastal city and a commercial and transportation hub in Northern China. Tianjin is home to 76 buildings that are over 150 meters tall.
23. Melbourne - Australia
Number of Skyscrapers: 76
Melbourne is the second-most populated city in Australia. The coastal city of Melbourne is a leading financial center in the Asia-Pacific region. Melbourne is home to 76 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
22. Busan - South Korea
Number of Skyscrapers: 77
Busan is a large port city and the second most populated city in South Korea. The city is a major economic, cultural, and educational center of southeastern South Korea as well as a major logistics hub in Northeast Asia with its world-class mega ports. With 77 buildings that are over 150 meters tall, Busan ranks 22nd on our list of the cities with the most skyscrapers in the world.
21. Seoul - South Korea
Number of Skyscrapers: 82
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is home to 82 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters. The city is a huge metropolis and an extensive urban center. Lotte World Tower, a supertall skyscraper in Seoul, is one of the world’s tallest buildings.
20. Nanning - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 82
Nanning, the capital and most populated city of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China, ranks among the 20 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. It is home to 82 buildings that are over 150 meters tall. Guangxi China Resources Tower is the tallest skyscraper in the city of Nanning.
19. Hangzhou - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 85
Hangzhou is the capital and most populated city of China’s Zhejiang province. The city is a major economic and e-commerce center in China. The city of Hangzhou is home to 85 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
18. Toronto - Canada
Number of Skyscrapers: 90
Toronto, Canada’s most populated city, ranks 18th on our list of the cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. The city is a dynamic metropolis that boasts soaring skyscrapers, all of which are dwarfed by the iconic and freestanding CN Tower. Toronto is home to 90 buildings that are over 150 meters tall.
17. Singapore
Number of Skyscrapers: 97
Singapore is a city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It is a major financial and maritime shipping center and it ranks among the most expensive cities to live in for expats. Singapore is home to 97 skyscrapers that are over 150 meters tall.
16. Shenyang - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 100
Shenyang is the capital and most populated city of China’s Liaoning Province. The city is a major industrial center in China. Shenyang is home to 100 buildings that are over 150 meters tall.
15. Mumbai - India
Number of Skyscrapers: 100
Mumbai, the most populated city in India, ranks among the top 15 on our list of the cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. The city is a major financial and business center. Mumbai is home to 100 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
14. Jakarta - Indonesia
Number of Skyscrapers: 114
Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and the country’s main economic, cultural, and political center. It is home to 114 skyscrapers that are over 150 meters tall. The Autograph Tower is the tallest skyscraper in the city of Jakarta.
13. Bangkok - Thailand
Number of Skyscrapers: 115
Bangkok is the capital and most populated city of Thailand. The city is a major hub of transportation, finance, business, and culture. Bangkok is home to 115 buildings that are over 150 meters tall.
12. Chengdu - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 127
Chengdu is the capital and the largest city of China's Sichuan province. It is home to 127 skyscrapers that are over 150 meters tall. Chengdu ranks 12th on our list of the cities with the most skyscrapers in the world.
11. Chicago - United States
Number of Skyscrapers: 137
Chicago, the most populated city in the US state of Illinois, is known for its bold architecture and a skyline punctuated by skyscrapers. Chicago is home to 137 skyscrapers over 150 meters tall. The Willis Tower, also known as the Sears Tower, is the tallest skyscraper in the city.
10. Chongqing - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 145
The city of Chongqing in China ranks among the top 10 on our list of the 30 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. It is a major manufacturing and transportation hub and it also serves as a financial center in the region. Chongqing is home to 145 buildings that are over 150 meters tall.
9. Wuhan - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 168
Wuhan is a major commercial center and the capital of China’s Hubei province. Wuhan Greenland Center is the tallest building in the city. Wuhan is home to 168 skyscrapers over 150 meters tall.
8. Tokyo - Japan
Number of Skyscrapers: 173
Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, ranks 8th on our list of the cities with the most skyscrapers in the world. The city is a major economic and business hub that features neon-lit skyscrapers and historic temples. Tokyo is home to 173 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters.
7. Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia
Number of Skyscrapers: 173
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is a major cultural, commercial, and transportation center. The city’s modern skyline is dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers. Kuala Lumpur has 173 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters. Kuala Lumpur is also home to Merdeka 118, which is the second-tallest skyscraper in the world.
6. Shanghai - China
Number of Skyscrapers: 188
Shanghai, on China’s central coast, is a global financial hub. It is a large port city and one of the world’s major centers for business, manufacturing, transportation, tourism, and culture. Shanghai is home to 188 skyscrapers taller than 150 meters, including the Shanghai Tower, which is the tallest building in China. Shanghai ranks 6th on our list of the 30 cities with the most skyscrapers in the world.
