World's tallest buildings

Burj Khalifa, Dubai



Dubai opened the world's tallest skyscraper on Monday, January 4, 2010. The building, which was originally named Burj Dubai, was renamed the Burj Khalifa, in honor of Abu Dhabi, the oil-rich shiekdom that helped out financially challenged Dubai during this economic crisis. It stands 2,717 feet tall, cost roughly $1.5B to build and boasts four swimming pools, a private library and a hotel designed by Giorgio Armani. The tower was lit up with fireworks during its opening ceremony on Jan. 4

Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan



The Taipei 101, also known as the Taipei Financial Center, is the second largest skyscraper in the world, standing 1,670 feet high. It boasts 101 floors above ground and five floors underground and was completed in 2004.

Shanghai World Financial Center (L), Shanghai, China



This 101-story building, completed in 2008, soars into the clouds at 1,615 feet high. Inside this skyscraper, you'll find the Park Hyatt hotel, shopping malls, office space, and so much more.

Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia



This pair of skyscrapers stand 1,483 feet high and boast 88 stories each. "I tried to express what I thought were the essences of Malaysia, its richness in culture and its extraordinary vision for the future. The building is rooted in tradition and about Malaysia's aspiration and ambition," the architect, "Cesar Pelli, said.

Willis Tower, Chicago



The Windy City's very own Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, stands 1,450 feet and 110 stories high. It has more than 3.8 million square feet of office and retail space, making it a hub of business for Chicago.

Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai



This 1,364 feet high tower is made up of 88 stories. "With an east-meets-west design signifying Shanghai's emergence as a modern global city, Jin Mao follows the multi-use paradigm, offering retail at its base, offices above, and the Grand Hyatt's World's Highest Hotel occupying the upper 38 floors," Skyscraper.org reports.

Two International Finance Centre, Hong Kong



This 1,362 foot high structure is made up of 88 stories, according to InfoPlease.com.

CITIC Plaza, China International Trust, Guangzhou, China



This sky-high building in China, designed by DLN Architects and completed in 1997, stands 1,283 feet high and boasts 80 stories.

Shun Hing Square, Shenzhen, China



This skyscraper reaches 1,260 feet into the sky and has 69 floors.

Empire State Building, New York



The Big Apple's very own Empire State Building reaches 1,250 feet into the sky and has 102 floors. It was the world's tallest building for roughly 40 years. Via: nydailynews