Bank of China Tower

The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable skyscrapers in the world. Completed in 1990, the building’s striking geometric form rises 72 stories and reaches a height of 367.4 meters (1,205 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Asia at the time of its completion. The tower’s bold, angular design is a departure from the more traditional rectilinear forms typically associated with commercial high-rises, and it has since become a symbol of modern Hong Kong. The building's structure is based on the form of a bamboo plant, which is a traditional Chinese symbol representing resilience, growth, and prosperity. This metaphor is carried through in the way the tower’s triangular prisms appear to "grow" as they rise, each segment layered above the last, creating a sense of lightness and upward momentum. The architectural innovation extends to its structural system, as it is one of the first skyscrapers to employ a fully diagrid structure. This allows the building to support itself with an exoskeleton, eliminating the need for interior columns and creating wide-open office spaces within. The exterior is clad in reflective glass and polished stainless steel, giving the tower a shimmering quality that interacts beautifully with the changing light and weather conditions of Hong Kong. The triangular segments are outlined by crisp white lines that trace the tower’s faceted profile, accentuating its angular silhouette. At night, the building becomes a spectacle, with lights illuminating the geometric edges, creating a luminous, crystalline appearance against the skyline. Pei’s design also incorporates elements of Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese philosophy of spatial harmony and balance. The sharp angles of the building were a topic of controversy initially, as they were thought to bring negative energy, or "Sha Qi," into the surrounding area. In response, Pei included strategically placed architectural features, like a canopy at the base, to soften the building’s perceived harshness and mitigate its impact on the surrounding environment. Internally, the Bank of China Tower is designed to support large open office spaces, an uncommon feature for skyscrapers of its time. This flexibility is achieved through the innovative exoskeletal frame, allowing for versatile use of the interior layout without the interruption of structural columns. The tower’s efficient use of space and its powerful visual statement of strength and elegance underscore its standing as a masterpiece of modern architecture, blending structural innovation with cultural symbolism. The Bank of China Tower stands as a proud, resilient landmark in Hong Kong’s skyline—a testament to the interplay of tradition and modernity, strength and elegance, making it not only a functional space but also a powerful cultural icon.

The Bank of China Tower is one of the worlds most recognisable buildings. Its shape and lines stand out and look like a really cool blade in the city, though that means disruption of feng shui. Regardless the architecture is still really impressive and the building lights up at light, where you can see the building’s outline.

Amazing building that's the most recognisable night feature of Hong Kong. Easily recognisable during the day too of course. Very impressive and peaceful fountain/garden features on both sides of the entrance. I haven't gone in as I have no business inside. But the exterior of the building is admirable in itself.

A magnificent building, showing off the wealth and strength of the economy. In capitalism, one always finds the most impressive buildings to be the ones owned by banks. This one is no exception. The sharpness of the geometry is aesthetic. Imagine that this building was erected back in 1990 and how it must have looked then (when all those other high rises were not present yet)!

Am iconic building admired by so many of us architecture students in the 90s. It still commands a presence today, in spite of the new buildings that have sprouted out around it!

The most awe-inspiring building in Central. Love it!

One of the most beautiful piece of architecture I have seen in Hong Kong. Mind the traffic of people.

Bank of China Tower! One of the most recognisable landmarks in Hong Kong, the building is notable for its distinct shape and design. Feng Shui master says it looks like knife 🔪.

The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable skyscrapers in the world. Completed in 1990, the building’s striking geometric form rises 72 stories and reaches a height of 367.4 meters (1,205 feet), making it one of the tallest structures in Asia at the time of its completion. The tower’s bold, angular design is a departure from the more traditional rectilinear forms typically associated with commercial high-rises, and it has since become a symbol of modern Hong Kong. The building's structure is based on the form of a bamboo plant, which is a traditional Chinese symbol representing resilience, growth, and prosperity. This metaphor is carried through in the way the tower’s triangular prisms appear to "grow" as they rise, each segment layered above the last, creating a sense of lightness and upward momentum. The architectural innovation extends to its structural system, as it is one of the first skyscrapers to employ a fully diagrid structure. This allows the building to support itself with an exoskeleton, eliminating the need for interior columns and creating wide-open office spaces within. The exterior is clad in reflective glass and polished stainless steel, giving the tower a shimmering quality that interacts beautifully with the changing light and weather conditions of Hong Kong. The triangular segments are outlined by crisp white lines that trace the tower’s faceted profile, accentuating its angular silhouette. At night, the building becomes a spectacle, with lights illuminating the geometric edges, creating a luminous, crystalline appearance against the skyline. Pei’s design also incorporates elements of Feng Shui, a traditional Chinese philosophy of spatial harmony and balance. The sharp angles of the building were a topic of controversy initially, as they were thought to bring negative energy, or "Sha Qi," into the surrounding area. In response, Pei included strategically placed architectural features, like a canopy at the base, to soften the building’s perceived harshness and mitigate its impact on the surrounding environment. Internally, the Bank of China Tower is designed to support large open office spaces, an uncommon feature for skyscrapers of its time. This flexibility is achieved through the innovative exoskeletal frame, allowing for versatile use of the interior layout without the interruption of structural columns. The tower’s efficient use of space and its powerful visual statement of strength and elegance underscore its standing as a masterpiece of modern architecture, blending structural innovation with cultural symbolism. The Bank of China Tower stands as a proud, resilient landmark in Hong Kong’s skyline—a testament to the interplay of tradition and modernity, strength and elegance, making it not only a functional space but also a powerful cultural icon.

The Bank of China Tower is one of the worlds most recognisable buildings. Its shape and lines stand out and look like a really cool blade in the city, though that means disruption of feng shui. Regardless the architecture is still really impressive and the building lights up at light, where you can see the building’s outline.

Amazing building that's the most recognisable night feature of Hong Kong. Easily recognisable during the day too of course. Very impressive and peaceful fountain/garden features on both sides of the entrance. I haven't gone in as I have no business inside. But the exterior of the building is admirable in itself.

A magnificent building, showing off the wealth and strength of the economy. In capitalism, one always finds the most impressive buildings to be the ones owned by banks. This one is no exception. The sharpness of the geometry is aesthetic. Imagine that this building was erected back in 1990 and how it must have looked then (when all those other high rises were not present yet)!

Am iconic building admired by so many of us architecture students in the 90s. It still commands a presence today, in spite of the new buildings that have sprouted out around it!

The most awe-inspiring building in Central. Love it!

One of the most beautiful piece of architecture I have seen in Hong Kong. Mind the traffic of people.

Bank of China Tower! One of the most recognisable landmarks in Hong Kong, the building is notable for its distinct shape and design. Feng Shui master says it looks like knife 🔪.

The BOC Tower is a skyscraper located in Central, which houses the headquarters of the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks in HK, notable for its distinct shape and design, consisting of triangular frameworks covered by glass curtain walls. They used to have observation deck open to public, unfortunately already closed permanently.

A Hong Kong icon that composes the skyline. I love photographing the exterior of this building from street level. Designed by I. M. Pei and L.C Pei and the most recognizable skyscrapers in Admiralty, Hong Kong.

located between admiralty n central it's prolly not that convenient for staff commuting by mtr. it will be about 10 mins walk from either station. the good thing about the office building is that they have Starbucks within the premises, with simplylife n pret a manger close by. seasons fitness is also a popular lunch spot for bankers since they like going to gym during lunch time. lunch options for people working in this building would be lab concept where a few eateries can be found, lan kwai fong, or Pacific place.

The Bank of China Tower has to be one of the most recognizable high rise building in Hong Kong. It was designed by I. M. Pei and L.C Pei and between 1989 and 1992, it was the tallest building in Asia. However, nowadays International Commerce Centre has become to tallest one. Its rather strange exterior is said to be having adverse effect on the future of Hong Kong as its construction was completed without the consultation of some feng shui practitioners. Believe it or not, most major buildings here in Hong Kong have to be consulted with feng shui masters before the construction. Anyway, some people do not see this as a tourist attraction except the fact that it has iconic exterior. However, it actually has an observation deck, and the best part - it is FREE OF CHARGE. Yet, before you grab your camera and come here, there are a few things you need to pay attention to: first, check if the observation deck is open for public that day as now it only opens once a week and that is subject to change; second, bring your passport or driving license for security reason with you and show either of them to the reception as they will then give you a free pass up to the 43rd floor. After that, you can fully enjoy the observation deck without paying a dime or surround yourself with tourists. (Surprisingly it is really quiet most of times maybe not many people know about this...) Anyways, the deck faces the renowned Victoria harbor and you can take pictures of the famous Hong Kong skyline. Since there isn't much there, normally it takes maybe 20 minutes and you will come down from it. If you have to pick the time to go, go when the light show happens, as it gives you the best view.

Wherever I can, I like to get up above a city. The Bank of China Tower helped me achieve that in Hong Kong. There is a FREE observation deck, I only needed to show a valid form of identification and I was in. Once on the deck the view of Hong Kong is very different than from the ground (obviously). On a clear day you can see clear across to the Kowloon side. There is also an artists rendition of the building in the form of a model to let you see where you are in relation to the rest of the city.