This 400m-high, 90-storey tower is the focal point of the Beijing Central Business District (CBD) masterplan has been designed as the highest point in a series of tall buildings that will eventually deliver a dramatic new skyline for the Chinese capital. The shape of a traditional Chinese fan was the inspiration for the design: a tapering glass column with a radial, expressed structure. A generous open and transparent lobby links seamlessly into the park beyond and forms a dramatic gathering and orientation space for users and visitors to the building. Richard Paul, Partner in charge of the project for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners said: "The building was conceived as the central piece of the CBD masterplan and the focus at the end of one of Beijings key viewing corridors. At ground level the tower is lifted up to allow people to flow through its base and connect with the new park."

The building is divided into three distinct sections each of 30-storeys. The floor sizes across the first 30 storeys vary in response to the tapering building form. The middle 30 storeys (offices for a single banking tenant) remain constant while the upper 30 storeys (residential accommodation) reduce in size. To provide clarity for tenants and visitors, each of these building users has their own, separate, entrance at lobby level.

The tower's facades are defined by a series of fan braces to dramatic effect. At the base of the tower this megaframe is denser to support the structure and at the top of each façade it tapers to give a lightness of structure and openness of space, enhancing the quality of views across the city. The lateral stability system is formed by the central core and external megaframe which are linked by outriggers to form a single structural system that integrates the inner and outer elements. As a result, the internal spaces are open and column free.

The mixed-use nature of the building will allow for shared usages of energy and natural resources between the commercial and residential components according to day time and night time use and the building will incorporate photovoltaic cladding. The design incorporates cavity wall, triple-glazed façade systems and partially naturally-ventilated spaces for dealing with Beijing's extremes in climate.