The World’s Biggest Fake Waterfall: A Guiyang Tower Turned Into an Arrogant Showcard
When Bragging Turns Into a Fiscal Nightmare
In Guiyang, a towering marvel of modern engineering—though not really a marvel—has sparked national mockery. Dubbed the “Liebian International Building,” the structure proudly flaunts a 108‑metre pyramidal water slide, self‑claimed as the world’s largest man‑made waterfall, showing off its owners’ taste for ostentation.
Big Water, Big Problems
- Only six water shows to date: the lofty cascade has faced the audience an absurdly small number of times.
- Costly to operate: Pumping water to the tower’s 121‑metre summit costs a staggering 800 yuan (about US$120) per hour—enough to break even with a small company’s monthly expenses.
- Not finished yet: The building will eventually house a shopping mall, offices, and a luxury hotel—but for now, it’s like a giant splashy billboard stuck in the concrete pipeline.
Engineered by Ludi Industry Group
The water can be sourced from runoff, rainfall, and groundwater that’s been hoarded in massive underground tanks—pretty impressive, right? If only it came with a reliable budget.
What Roughly Happened Here?
Imagine a spectacular waterfall that can’t quite make a splash because its own cost is too steep. The owners’ honest apology? The pump’s hourly price is a pricier proposition than the world would clue it to be.
Future Forecast for the Tower
Despite its flashiest gadgetry, the tower’s ultimate success depends on how well the owners manage to turn potential splash into consistent revenue. Until then, the glassy cascade will likely stay on standby, awaiting the day when big dreams budget a little more liquid vision.
Solar‑Sided Surprise: When a Skyline’s Humble Feature Turns Social Media Into a Playground
The Pitch
Picture a skyscraper gleaming under the sun. The company behind it claims the new solar‑powered facade pays tribute to the region’s rugged landscape—think mountains, wind, and raw natural charm.
Netizens’ Take
Internet users in China didn’t exactly swoon. Instead, they poured in snark, calling the project “a waste of money.” One meme‑filled review floated on Weibo like this:
- “If they could just turn it on once every few months, the company would save on cleaning windows,” a user typed—cue the online chuckles.
That comment alone sparked a full‑blown debate: energy efficiency vs. bragging rights.
Why the Hilarity?
It’s a classic case of powerful tech meeting everyday reality. The idea of a constantly‑shining wall sounds grand— until you consider maintenance cost, possible glare, and the chance it’s just a flashy gimmick.
So, while the building’s architects dream of renewable prestige, the internet has turned out to be a more skeptical, humor‑driven audience.
What Comes Next?
If this rooftop saga beats its way into the news headlines, we might see a follow‑up: “Maybe start it up on a holiday; keep the windows sparkling!” The world watches—and laughs—while the lightheaded skyscraper either shines or merely looks like a solar-powered billboard.
China’s Wild Construction Craze: From Underpants to Toilets
The Big Underpants: What started as a sleek, futuristic building for China Central Television (CCTV) in Beijing has earned a nickname that would make even the most serious lawyers blush. Once the offices of the state broadcaster were being upgraded, the design reminded people of a giant pelvis—like a massive piece of underwear strutting around the city.
Why People Call It That
- Shape: The curved roof and angular side panels form an unmistakable “pelvis” silhouette.
- Public Reaction: Social media erupted in memes, jokes, and a chorus of “stop the absurdity!”
- Critics: Some urban planners argue it’s a prime example of a construction budget gone sideways.
More Odd Buildings in the Capital
Just when you think the city’s stats are puzzling enough, the newspaper People’s Daily’s offices rose from the ground in the shape of a penis. The interim structure for the printing shop looked like the tip of a giant, inflatable phallus that startled commuters.
And in 2023, a building on the campus of a water‑resources university made a splash—literally—by looking eerily like a toilet. Students laughed out loud during the grand unveiling, while some faculty members asked, “Is this for student hygiene or an art project?”
Xi’s Prompt to Pay Attention
Back in 2014, President Xi Jinping took a stand and called for an end to what he dubbed “weird architecture.” He argued that architectural innovation should push the envelope—not create a “fashion show of genitalia and plumbing fixtures.” The president’s words resonated, and some architects embraced new design guidelines that emphasize practicality and cultural resonance.
Yet, the curiosity remains. Every time a new skyscraper takes shape in China, people wonder: Where will the next oddball design land? Until you find out, you’ll be dripping with excitement—or a little queasy if you see those more… unconventional shapes.
