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The Window of Canton is a landmark mixed-use development located along the Pearl River in Guangzhou’s Haizhu District, forming a key anchor of the city’s southern central urban axis within the Haizhu Innovation Bay.

Commissioned by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the project comprises three standalone yet interconnected structures integrating Grade A offices, hospitality, retail, leisure, and public realm spaces. Conceived as both a corporate headquarters and an urban catalyst, the development embodies Guangzhou’s legacy as China’s historic gateway for global trade while projecting a forward-looking vision of innovation and openness.

AtkinsRéalis was appointed as Architect for Zones B and C and Landscape Designer for all three zones, marking the firm’s first architectural commission for CCCC – one of China’s most prominent state-owned enterprises – and establishing a long-term strategic partnership.

 

Development Zones:

  • Zone A: Grade A office (completed 2015)
  • Zone B: Twin office towers with skybridge connection (completed 2024)
  • Zone C: Mixed-use office and hotel (Crowne Plaza) with skybridge (completed 2025)
 


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The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.

The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.



Asia Pacific Property Awards  - Best Commercial High Rise 2025-26 Trophy
International Property Awards 2026
Best Commercial High Rise Architecture – Asia Pacific. Awarded on 16 January 2026, Savoy Hotel, London.

This accolade recognises excellence in design, sustainability, innovation, and user experience across global real estate and architectural projects.
Window of canton. "001” from the south – representing a pioneering beginning. “100” from the north – symbolizing completeness and achievement.

Design Concept and Architecture

The architectural concept is defined by the idea of a “window”—a powerful metaphor representing Guangzhou’s historical role as the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road and a gateway for international trade. This concept is expressed through two monumental voids carved into the façades of the towers, forming the symbolic “windows.” From different vantage points, the development reads as:

“001” from the south – representing a pioneering beginning. “100” from the north – symbolizing completeness and achievement.

Together, these forms reflect the spirit of reform, ambition, and continuous progress associated with both Guangzhou and CCCC.

The tallest tower rises to 208 metres, anchoring the skyline, while elevated skybridges – spanning up to 51 metres – connect the towers and enhance spatial and visual continuity across the development.

AtkinsRealis

Urban Integration and Public Realm

Strategically positioned along the Pearl River, the design maximizes riverfront value through:

•  A continuous landscaped riverside promenade

•  Public plazas and open green spaces

•  Enhanced pedestrian connectivity across the district

The scheme carefully responds to its context, balancing a strong contemporary identity with sensitivity to surrounding developments and nearby heritage structures. A historic riverside building within the site boundary was thoughtfully integrated into the masterplan, ensuring architectural dialogue between past and present.

The development creates a human-centric environment, offering diverse public activity spaces designed to address the behavioural and psychological needs of different user groups – from office workers to visitors and local communities.

AtkinsRealis

Functional Integration

AtkinsRéalis adopted a 100% functional integration approach, delivering a cohesive mixed-use ecosystem that seamlessly combines: corporate headquarters functions, premium office environments, hospitality (Crowne Plaza hotel), retail and leisure offerings, exhibition and conference facilities.

This integrated planning maximizes operational efficiency while fostering vibrancy and user engagement throughout the day.

Sustainability and Engineering Excellence

The project demonstrates advanced engineering and sustainability performance:

  • China Green Building Two-Star certification (all zones)
  • LEED Gold certification (Zones B and C)
  • Hybrid structural systems supporting long-span skybridges
  • Large-scale steel truss lifting techniques
  • Optimized orientation for natural light and river views

These features collectively enhance energy performance, structural efficiency, and occupant experience.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Delivering a landmark architectural identity while preserving river views and integrating with a complex urban context.
Solution: Sculptural “window” voids and tower orientation that frame views rather than block them, combined with elevated connections and open ground-level spaces.

Challenge: Integrating modern development with a nearby historic structure.
Solution: A sensitive design approach that preserves visual significance and incorporates the heritage element into the broader landscape and circulation strategy.

Challenge: Delivering long-span skybridge connections across high-rise towers.
Solution: Adoption of hybrid structural systems and advanced steel truss engineering to safely achieve spans of up to 51 metres.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.

AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.

BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.

Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.

The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.

The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.



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Result and Impact

This development has established a new architectural landmark along Guangzhou’s southern axis, reinforcing the city’s strategic role within the Greater Bay Area. As the headquarters of CCCC, the project serves as a powerful symbol of corporate strength, innovation, and long-term vision, while contributing to Guangzhou’s evolving skyline and economic prominence.

Beyond its iconic presence, the development has created a vibrant mixed-use destination that seamlessly integrates business, hospitality, and lifestyle offerings. By enhancing public access to the Pearl River waterfront, it has helped activate the surrounding district and enrich the urban experience. Fully operational since 2023, the project continues to play a significant role in the regeneration and revitalization of the area, supporting both commercial activity and community engagement.

565 k m²
Total GFA
167 k m²
Site area
208 m
Height up to

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