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All China Guiyang Liebian International Building

Liebian International Building

On special occasions, one of the world's tallest artificial waterfalls gushes down the side of this Chinese skyscraper.

Guiyang, China

Added By
Henrik Johansson
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Liebian International Building.   AFP/Getty
Liebian International Building.   AFP/Getty
Liebian International Building.   AFP/Getty
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About

What looks like a massive burst pipe or out of hand indoor flooding situation is actually one of the world’s tallest artificial waterfalls. On special occasions, a blend of recycled tap water and rainwater thunders down the side of this Chinese skyscraper, creating an utterly unexpected urban scene.

China has seen the rise of a lot of spectacular architecture over the years, with both architects and cities striving for attention. The Liebian International Building in Guiyang, southern China, is no exception.

Rushing down the exterior of the building is 350-foot-tall (108-meter-tall) artificial waterfall powered by four pumps. The artificial watery wonder comes at a hefty price: it reportedly costs 800 yuan (118 USD) per hour to run, and as such, is only used on special occasions.

The reactions to this architectural oddity have been mixed. Some have found it to be a creative addition to the city. Others have cruelly ridiculed it, saying that it will break soon since it was made in China. Still more joke that a lot more bathrooms will be needed on that side of the building. The first time the waterfall was turned, on it even caused local residents to report a major water leak.

Criticism aside, the Liebian International Building Waterfall is without a doubt an impressive piece of engineering. But this might be the beginning of the end of the era with this kind of spectacular architecture. In 2014, the Chinese president Xi Jinping called for an end to what he called "weird architecture" in the country.

Related Tags

Waterfalls Skyscrapers Architectural Oddities Architecture Water

Know Before You Go

You can walk by the building at any time, but there's a good chance you won't get to see the waterfall in action as it's only used for special occasions. 

Community Contributors

Added By

hrnick

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe

  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

October 18, 2018

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Sources
  • https://www.archdaily.com/898841/impractical-chinese-skyscraper-features-108-meter-tall-facade-waterfall
  • https://www.boredpanda.com/massive-artificial-waterfall-skyscraper-china-guiyang/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
  • https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-waterfall-skyscraper-hit-by-torrent-of-ridicule
  • https://www.dezeen.com/2018/07/31/china-waterfall-building-skyscraper-guiyang/
  • https://www.curbed.com/2018/7/26/17616286/waterfall-skyscraper-china-guiyang
  • https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-great-waterfall-of-china-liebian-mansion-cjwvvqw2s
  • http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/id/33658
Liebian International Building
1 Jinyang N Rd
Guiyang
China
26.647766, 106.624503
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Yelang Valley

Guiyang, China

miles away

The Eye of Heaven

Pingtang County, China

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Guiyang

Guiyang

China

Places 2

Nearby Places

Yelang Valley

Guiyang, China

miles away

The Eye of Heaven

Pingtang County, China

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Guiyang

Guiyang

China

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