A viral TikTok video has sparked global fascination with an enormous apartment complex in China, nicknamed the “Dystopian Apartment.” The aerial footage reveals a towering, futuristic structure in Hangzhou that houses an astonishing 30,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated residential buildings in the world.
Designed by Alicia Loo, the architect behind Singapore’s iconic Sands Hotel, the Regent International apartment complex stands 675 feet tall with a striking S-shaped design. Completed in 2013, the 30-story building functions like a mini-city, featuring restaurants, grocery stores, swimming pools, salons, and even internet cafés—all within its walls. The idea is simple: residents can live, work, and socialize without ever needing to leave.
Despite its nickname, the complex isn’t a forced-living dystopia. Instead, it attracts young professionals, students, and social media influencers drawn to its affordability and convenience. Rent ranges from 1,500 to 4,000 RMB per month, offering budget-friendly options in a prime location.
However, some criticize the lack of personal space and limited outdoor areas, evoking the claustrophobic feel of dystopian fiction. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that such high-density living could be the future of sustainable urban housing, especially as cities worldwide struggle with overcrowding.
Similar concepts exist elsewhere, like a 14-story building in Whittier, Alaska, where nearly all 272 residents live under one roof. Whether this model represents the future of city living or an overcrowded nightmare remains up for debate. Would you live here?
