VIDEO A Chinese marvel the size of a city where the sun never sets: One detail is impressive

In the Chinese city of Chengdu stands the New Century Global Center, a colossal structure that holds the title of the world's largest building by floor area. Completed in just four years and opened in 2013, the building's construction is estimated to have cost between $8 and $10 billion.

Spanning 1.7 million square meters with a base of 500 by 400 meters and a height of 100 meters, the complex is more than three times the size of the Pentagon. Under its single roof, it contains a miniature city featuring hotels, shopping malls, a university campus, an ice rink, a Mediterranean-style village, and an IMAX cinema with 14 screens.

Perhaps its most striking feature is an indoor artificial beach covering 5,000 square meters. Complete with real sand and waves, the beach is complemented by a massive 150-meter-long LED screen that continuously displays sunrises and sunsets, creating an illusion that the sun never sets or rises for visitors in that area. The complex also includes the Paradise Island Water Park and numerous luxury hotels, including the InterContinental with over 1,000 rooms, alongside extensive retail and dining options.

Developers describe the New Century Global Center as "several cities housed under one roof." However, its sheer scale has drawn criticism from some urbanists who worry that such a concentrated development could detract from the vibrancy of surrounding streets and undermine traditional urban life. Despite these concerns, the building remains a testament to China's ambition in constructing megastructures.

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several cities housed under one roof.