South Asian Gate in Kunming

South Asian Gate (南亚之门) is a planned skyscraper located in the Tuodong Lu Central Business District of Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. Once completed, it is expected to be the tallest building in the region and one of the most iconic landmarks in Kunming. Originally announced in 2008, the project has undergone multiple design changes, with the final structure now planned to reach a height of 268 meters.

Initial Design and Construction History

The South Asian Gate was first conceptualized as the tallest building in Yunnan Province at 316 meters with 72 floors, intended to be completed by 2012 or 2013. However, construction faced delays, and the building’s height was reduced to 268 meters due to regulatory concerns, including seismic safety and design revisions. The project, which includes two main towers with a distinctive Yunnan-style pagoda design, has been stalled since 2017.

Final Design:

The final design features a single tower with 268 meters in height. The building will serve as a mixed-use development with residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.

Key Features of South Asian Gate

Location

The South Asian Gate will be located in Kunming’s central business district in the Tuodong Lu area, which is one of the city’s prime commercial zones. The building is near major roads and is expected to be well-connected to the city’s transportation network, including Kunming Metro Line 5.

Address: 78 Tuodong Road (拓东路78号), Kunming, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市)

Nearby Landmarks: The Wanda Plaza and the iconic Wanda Twin Towers are situated nearby.

Construction Area and Usage

The South Asian Gate will occupy 34,500 square meters, with a total construction area of 550,000 square meters. The project will feature a combination of high-end amenities, including:

A five-star hotel (Platinum level)

Serviced apartments

Grade-A office spaces

Commercial areas

Leisure and entertainment facilities

Symbolism and Meaning

South Asian Gate was named with the intention of symbolizing Kunming’s gateway to South Asia and the world. The name reflects the city’s growing international connections, especially with neighboring countries in South Asia.

At the Kunming City Planning and Major Projects Report meeting on November 3, 2008, it was announced that the building’s name represents the idea of “opening the door to welcome the world.”

Design Evolution and Teams

Initial Proposals:

Several design proposals were submitted for the South Asian Gate project, including the following:

A design resembling the CCTV Tower (中央电视台大楼) in Beijing, often referred to as the “Big Pants” tower.

A twin-tower design similar to the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia.

A more conventional design with a single main tower and secondary tower.

Final Design:

The project was developed in collaboration with several renowned design firms from both China and the U.S., including:

Gensler (美国盖斯勒建筑设计事务所)

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (美国凯达环球建筑设计公司)

Shanghai Jang Huan Cheng Architecture Design (上海江欢成建筑设计有限公司)

The final design features a single tower, with the overall height reduced to 268 meters after approval.

Investment and Timeline

The total investment for the South Asian Gate project is estimated at 42 billion RMB, and it was originally scheduled to break ground on December 19, 2008. The project is expected to take 4-5 years for completion, making it the tallest building in Kunming and the Western region once finished.

Expected Completion:

Although construction has faced delays, once completed, South Asian Gate will not only become Kunming’s tallest building but also the first ultra-high-rise in the city, setting the standard for future skyscrapers in the region.

Commercial and Residential Aspects

Mixed-Use Development:

Luxury hotel: A Platinum 5-star hotel.

Serviced apartments: For long-term stays, offering a home-like environment.

Grade-A office spaces: For businesses seeking premium office environments.

Residential apartments: Modern living spaces.

Commercial area: Retail stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Leisure and entertainment: Designed to offer a variety of leisure options for residents and visitors.

Total Area:

Land area: 34,500 square meters

Construction area: 550,000 square meters

Above-ground area: 450,000 square meters

Underground area: 100,000 square meters

Future Impact and Significance

Once completed, the South Asian Gate is expected to play a major role in Kunming’s transformation into a more international city. It will enhance the city’s infrastructure, provide high-end commercial and residential spaces, and contribute significantly to the local economy through business, tourism, and international trade.

The South Asian Gate (南亚之门) in Kunming promises to be one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and will significantly elevate the city’s skyline. Despite delays in its construction, the building is set to be a beacon of Kunming’s growth as a central hub connecting South Asia with the rest of the world.