Beijing bans ever taller towers

China has halted the race to build ever taller towers, by banning the construction of skyscrapers over 500m. The edict, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, is expected to end the competition for bragging rights between Chinese cities. But it also means that Shanghai Tower, a 128-storey, 632m building in the financial hub of Shanghai, will have no challenger for its title as the country’s tallest building. It is the world’s second tallest building, after the 830m Burj Khalifa in Dubai. According to the draft rule, cities with more than three million residents must “strictly limit” new buildings over 250m, and smaller cities should restrict those taller than 150m. The Times (£) Image © Rex/Shutterstock