Leisure a key feature in world's largest building

Cited as the world's largest building, the New Century Global Centre in the Chinese city of Chengdu measures 100 metres high, 500 metres long and 400 metres wide.

Topping the list of the world's largest buildings by floor space - a list commonly dominated by airports - the massive 1.76 million metre2 building, would be large enough to fit 20 Sydney Opera Houses.

Opened on 1st July, the building includes a selection of luxury stores, two five-star hotels, an IMAX cinema, a skating rink and a water park with 400 metre long 5,000 metre2 artificial beach that will feature artificial sunrises and sunsets.

Described by the Chengdu Expedition and Travel group as 'a gift to the world', the New Century Global Centre is one of several architecture projects, including a new subway line and an airport, that have been planned for Sichuan province's capital city. Once primarily known for its giant panda reserves, Chengdu recently kick-started an immense tourism campaign, even reaching out to foreigners through Facebook and Twitter - both of which are otherwise banned in China.

While its size may be immense, construction of the building only took three years.

It is sited opposite the Chengdu Contemporary Arts Centre which, when it is completed in 2014, will be the largest cultural building in China. 

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