A skyscraper in the southwestern Chinese city of Guiyang has captured global attention with a spectacular 350-foot waterfall cascading down its facade. The Liebian International Building features a one-of-a-kind water feature that, while a visual marvel, comes with a hefty operational cost and has sparked a debate about the balance between architectural innovation and practicality.
The waterfall, which is not an everyday sight, is only activated for special occasions due to its high running cost. Powered by four large pumps, it lifts water from a massive underground tank to the top of the 397-foot-tall building. This water is sourced from a combination of recycled tap water, rainwater, and runoff, ensuring it is not wasted.
However, the electricity required to run the pumps makes the spectacle expensive, reportedly costing around $118 USD per hour. This significant cost has led the owners, Ludi Industry Group, to operate the waterfall for only short periods on rare occasions. The building itself is a mixed-use complex that will house a shopping mall, offices, and a luxury hotel.
The waterfall has drawn a mixed reaction from the public. While it is a popular tourist attraction and a bold architectural statement, some locals have criticized the high energy consumption and considered it an ostentatious waste of resources.
Regardless of the debate, the Liebian International Building stands as a testament to engineering ambition, pushing the boundaries of urban design and creating a landmark that is both a source of pride and a point of contention in China’s rapidly developing cityscape.
