The Shanghai Tower's core structure has reached its highest point of 580 meters. By the time of its inauguration in 2015, the building is set to rise 632 meters off the ground, making it the world's second tallest building after Dubai's Burj Khalifa.

The Shanghai Tower is located in the city's financial district of Pudong Lujiazui. Along with the World Financial Center and Jinmao Tower, the newly erected structure dominates the city's skyline, dwarfing the surrounding buildings.

The Taipei 101 skyscraper, located in Taiwan's capital, was inaugurated in December 2004. It held the world record for the tallest building until 2009 and as the world's second tallest until August, 2013. However, it still holds the record for having the fastest elevator. A ride from the ground level to the top floor takes less than a minute.

In 2004, the Petronas Twin Towers, located in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, were overtaken by Taipei 101 as the world's highest structure. However, they remain the world's tallest twin towers to this day.

Before the Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest buildings were in the United States. New York's Empire State Building was the undisputed champion for 41 years. It is still considered to be the prototype for skyscrapers.

Germany's Wolkenkratzer (literally: 'cloud-scraper') can be found in Frankfurt am Main. Rising 259 meters (300 including the antenna) off the ground, the Commerzbank Tower is not even among the world's 100 tallest skyscrapers.

In July 2007, three years before its official inauguration, Dubai's Burj Khalifa took over the title of the world's tallest building from Taipei 101. Its spectacular height has also allowed it to set other records such as the world’s longest elevator ride and the highest restaurant.