When people think of dystopian life, they imagine crowded spaces and limited freedom. In China, one massive apartment complex seems to embody that vision. The Regent International in Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou, is a 675-foot-tall building completed in 2013. Designed by Alicia Loo, chief designer of Singapore’s Sands Hotel, it holds an estimated 20,000 residents and is shaped like an “S,” with 36 to 39 floors.

Often called a “dystopian apartment,” the building is essentially a self-contained city. It houses restaurants, pools, grocery stores, internet cafés, nail salons, and more—allowing residents to live almost entirely indoors. Units are affordable, ranging from 1,500 RMB (around $200) to 4,000 RMB (under $600) per month, attracting students, young professionals, and influencers seeking convenience.Critics argue that the dense design limits fresh air, sunlight, and personal space, raising concerns about quality of life. While most residents are free to come and go, some worry that the sheer scale of the building makes it feel isolating. Larger units with balconies offer more space, but the model contrasts sharply with cultures, like the U.S., where private yards and open air are highly valued.

Supporters see Regent International as a bold, sustainable solution to urban housing shortages, with everything residents need under one roof. Other cities have tried similar models—Whittier, Alaska, for example, where nearly the entire town lives in a single 14-story building with a school, church, and post office. Like any housing idea, the “dystopian apartment” comes with trade-offs—but it may hint at the future of city living.