Taipei 101 officially became the world’s tallest in October 2003, when the final section of the spire was put into place. Of the many ways to define the world’s tallest, the building claims three categories: the tallest height to roof, tallest to structural top, and tallest occupied floor.

Among the commercial and corporate uses of the building, a five-story shopping mall is housed at its base; the Taiwan stock exchange occupies seven floors, and several restaurants offer spectacular views on the upper levels of the building. An indoor observation deck is located on the 89th floor and an outdoor deck sits two floors above.

Taipei 101’s architecture is inspired by traditional Chinese buildings, labeled by some as “Oriental Revivalism.” The number “8,” a symbol for prosperity and luck in China, appears prominently in the stacked segments of the building, made to resemble the shoots of a bamboo tree. Ancient coins are affixed to the exterior of the 26th floor and a Feng Shui master was consulted as part of the design process.