World's largest building opens in China

This picture taken on May 26, 2013 shows the "New Century Global Centre" building in Chengdu, in southwest China's Sichuan province. Boasting its own artificial sun and a floor area three times that of the Pentagon, the "world's largest building" has opened in southwest China to mixed reviews from its first visitors. (AFP/File)

BEIJING (AFP) – Boasting its own artificial sun and a floor area three times that of the Pentagon, the "world's largest building" has opened in southwest China to mixed reviews from its first visitors.

The towering 100-metre (330-foot) high New Century Global Centre, which is said to to be big enough to hold 20 Sydney Opera Houses, recently opened its doors Chengdu.

The complex, which Chinese officials say is the world's largest standalone structure, is 500 metres long by 400 metres wide, offering 1.7 million square metres of floor space.

But the first wave of visitors were divided over the attractions of the the structure, which houses 400,000 square metres of shopping space, offices, conference rooms, a university complex, two commercial centres, two five star hotels, and an IMAX cinema.

"It lacks creativity," said one visitor on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter.

Another visitor poked fun at its name.

"Why is everything in Chengdu called 'global'," the poster said.

However, some Internet users were impressed with the complex, which opened on June 28.

"It will become the new landmark of Chengdu," said one poster.

The Global Centre has a marine theme, with fountains, a huge water park and an artificial beach, accented by the undulating roof, meant to resemble a wave.

The centrepiece is a 5,000 square metre artificial beach, which includes a rafting course and a "seafront" promenade, complete with parasols and seafood outlets that can accommodate 6,000 people.