Highlights
The first key highlight is, of course, the Free Sky Cloud Observation on the 116th floor. At an altitude of 541 meters, it is the highest indoor observation deck in Shenzhen. Taking the high-speed elevator, you can go from the first floor to the 116th floor in just 55 seconds, with the elevator reaching a speed of 10 meters per second. Your ears might feel a slight pressure, but the rapidly rising view outside the window is thrilling. The observation deck features a fully transparent glass floor. Standing on it, you can look down and see the city streets below. If you're easily scared, your legs might go weak, but that floating sensation is absolutely unforgettable. The second highlight is the circular corridor of the observation deck, offering a 360-degree unobstructed view. You can spot landmarks in all directions of Shenzhen, such as Diwang Mansion, Kingkey 100, and Shenzhen Bay Bridge. Even on clear days, you can see Hong Kong's New Territories. It's best to come up in the late afternoon, first watch the sunset, then watch the city lights gradually turn on, getting two views in one visit. The third highlight is the PAFC Mall at the base of the building, which is the Ping An Finance Centre shopping mall. It not only has high-end brands but also art installations and gourmet food. After visiting the observation deck, you can come down and enjoy some leisure shopping, making it a complete experience.
Stories
There is a widely circulated story about Ping An Finance Centre: its height was originally 660 meters, but to avoid aviation height restrictions and for feng shui considerations, it was finally set at 599.1 meters. Why 599.1 meters? Because the number "599" sounds like "wo jiu jiu" (meaning "I long, long"), symbolizing longevity, and "0.1" represents humility and leaving room for flexibility. It is said that during the design, the team specifically studied the dragon vein (feng shui) layout of Shenzhen to ensure the building's location and orientation would attract wealth and blessings. There is also an interesting story: during construction, because the tower crane wasn't tall enough, engineers invented a "climbing tower crane" that could rise with the building. This technology was a first at the time and was later adopted by many supertall buildings. Additionally, the observation deck elevator was custom-made by Otis, reaching a speed of 10 meters per second, but to ensure comfort, it has a pressure adjustment system so passengers' ears won't be too uncomfortable. These details reflect the wisdom and craftsmanship of Chinese engineers.
History
Construction of Ping An Finance Centre began in 2010, when Shenzhen was in a golden period of rapid development and needed a new landmark to represent the city's image. Ping An Group, a financial giant that grew up locally in Shenzhen, decided to invest in building a supertall headquarters tower. The project was developed by Ping An Real Estate, designed by KPF Architects, and constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation. The construction process took 7 years, overcoming difficulties such as typhoons, high temperatures, and supertall building challenges, and was officially completed in March 2017. After completion, it quickly became Shenzhen's new calling card, replacing the previous Diwang Mansion and Kingkey 100 to become the tallest building in Shenzhen. In 2018, the Free Sky Cloud Observation deck opened to the public, attracting a large number of tourists. Today, Ping An Finance Centre is not only the headquarters of Ping An Group, but also a tourism hotspot and business landmark in Shenzhen, witnessing Shenzhen's transformation from a "world factory" to an "innovation capital."
Culture
Futian District, where Ping An Finance Centre is located, is the administrative and cultural center of Shenzhen. Nearby are cultural facilities such as Shenzhen Civic Center, Shenzhen Library, and the Concert Hall. This area reflects Shenzhen's "immigrant culture" — people from all over the country come here to work and live, forming an open, inclusive, and pragmatic social atmosphere. The name "Ping An" also aligns with the Cantonese tradition of valuing "good omens." For example, during the New Year, people go to "walk for good luck," and Ping An Tower is considered by many Shenzheners as a place to "walk for good fortune." In the mall, you often see stylish young people and families with children, all shopping, dining, and viewing exhibitions, reflecting Shenzheners' pursuit of a high-quality life. Additionally, Shenzhen has a strong volunteer culture, and on the observation deck, volunteers provide guided tours, making visitors feel the warmth of this city.
Art & Design
There are many artistic elements inside and around Ping An Finance Centre. At the entrance of the PAFC Mall, there is a large art installation called "Clouds," made of stainless steel, shaped like drifting clouds, echoing the towering building. In the elevator lobby of the observation deck, contemporary artists' paintings and sculptures are displayed, with themes changing regularly. Most notably, on the 116th floor observation deck, there is a copper relief wall called "Shenzhen Skyline," which uses metal lines to outline landmark buildings from different periods of Shenzhen, from Guomao Tower to Diwang Mansion, and then to Ping An Finance Centre, showcasing the city's development history. Additionally, the building's lighting design is also an art form. At night, the light show changes according to festivals and themes, such as red during the Spring Festival and a national flag pattern during National Day, becoming a flowing scenery of the city. These artistic elements give the cold building warmth and allow visitors to feel the fusion of art and the city while enjoying the view.
Modern Life
Ping An Finance Centre is a microcosm of Shenzhen's modernization. The Futian CBD where it stands is Shenzhen's financial center, gathering numerous banks, securities, and technology companies. This building is not only the headquarters of the Ping An Group, but also a symbol of Shenzhen's dual identity as "China's Silicon Valley" and "financial center". At night, the building's lighting system changes colors, sometimes red, sometimes blue, and during holidays it even puts on themed light shows, becoming the highlight of the city's nightscape. The PAFC Mall at the base of the building brings together international luxury brands and high-end dining, as well as art exhibition spaces, reflecting Shenzhen people's pursuit of a high-quality life. This place is not only an office for white-collar workers, but also a venue for citizens' leisure and entertainment. Every day, large numbers of people pass through, showcasing Shenzhen's fast-paced and diverse modern urban lifestyle. For visitors, standing on the observation deck and overlooking the city, you will feel Shenzhen's youth, vitality, and infinite possibilities.
Travel Tips
Recommended visit duration: if you just go to the observation deck, about 1 to 1.5 hours; if you also include shopping at the mall, you can plan for half a day. The best time to visit is from 4 PM to 6 PM, so you can see both the daytime and nighttime views. However, weekends and holidays are crowded, so it's recommended to book tickets in advance on the official WeChat account or travel platforms to avoid waiting in line. For transportation, take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Shopping Park Station, and Exit D directly connects to the mall, which is very convenient. If you drive, the mall has an underground parking lot, but parking fees are relatively expensive. To go up to the observation deck, you need to go through security checks. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. When taking photos, be careful not to extend your phone beyond the railing. Inside the observation deck, there are cafes and souvenir shops, but prices are on the higher side, so you can bring your own water. If you want to take good photos, it's recommended to wear bright-colored clothes so you stand out against the glass reflections. Also, the observation deck may close during thunderstorms, so check the weather forecast before you go. To avoid crowds, choose a weekday morning or after 8 PM, when there are fewer people and the view is beautiful.
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