MINYING INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER T2: TECHNICAL REVIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS

Minying International Trade Center T2 stands as the architectural pinnacle of Dongguan, a city historically known as the "factory of the world" now transitioning into a high-tech innovation hub. Rising 422.6 meters (1,386 feet), it is the tallest building in Dongguan and dominates the city's skyline with its distinctive illuminated crown.

This technical review analyzes the tower's floral-inspired geometry, its structural response to the region's typhoon risks, and its role as the anchor of the largest integrated complex in the Greater Bay Area.



ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND CULTURAL SYMBOLISM

Designed by the architectural firm 5+design, with executive work by ECADI, the tower's form is deeply rooted in local culture. The design concept is inspired by the Yulan Magnolia, the official city flower of Dongguan. This is most visible in the tower's crown, which features four "petals" that open up at the corners, creating a lantern-like effect that signifies the blossoming of the city's economy.

The main shaft of the tower is chamfered at the corners. These chamfers start small at the base and gradually widen as they rise, creating a tapering effect that enhances the building's verticality and elegance. The façade utilizes a high-performance glass curtain wall with vertical fins that accentuate the height while providing shading from the intense subtropical sun.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AND TYPHOON RESISTANCE

Located in the Pearl River Delta, Dongguan is frequently subjected to typhoons. To ensure stability at 423 meters, the structural engineers employed a robust "mega-frame" system.

The core of the building is a massive reinforced concrete tube that houses the elevators and mechanical services. This core provides the primary resistance to torsional (twisting) forces. Surrounding the perimeter are composite mega-columns—steel tubes filled with high-strength concrete. These columns are linked to the core by steel outrigger trusses located at mechanical refuge floors. This connection stiffens the building significantly, distributing the wind loads from the façade to the core and minimizing sway acceleration to ensure occupant comfort.

VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS

As the centerpiece of a massive 1-million-square-meter mixed-use complex, efficient vertical transportation is critical. The tower functions as a vertical city, housing Grade-A offices and a luxury hotel.

The building is serviced by a zoned elevator system supplied by KONE. High-speed shuttle elevators transport passengers from the ground lobby to the sky lobbies, where local elevators distribute them to specific office floors. This zoning reduces the number of stops for the main shuttles, increasing the overall handling capacity of the system during peak morning and evening rush hours.

URBAN INTEGRATION AND THE PODIUM

The tower sits atop the "MinYing World" podium, a massive commercial center that integrates retail, dining, and entertainment. The engineering challenge was to structurally isolate the tower's vibration and settlement from the sprawling podium while maintaining seamless pedestrian flow.

The complex connects directly to the Dongguan Rail Transit system (lines R1 and R2), effectively functioning as a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). This required deep basement excavations and complex load transfer structures to bridge over the subway tunnels without compromising their integrity.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Official Name: Minying International Trade Center T2
Chinese Name: Minying Guomao Zhongxin T2
Location: Dongcheng District, Dongguan, China
Architect: 5+design / ECADI
Completion Year: 2021
Architectural Height: 422.6 meters (1,386 feet)
Floor Count: 85
Primary Function: Office, Hotel
Design Inspiration: Yulan Magnolia Flower

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this the tallest building in Dongguan?
Yes, at 423 meters, it is the tallest building in Dongguan, surpassing the nearby Dongguan TVA Tower.

What is the light at the top?
The "petals" at the crown are illuminated by a programmable LED system. At night, the top of the tower glows, serving as a lighthouse and landmark for the city center.

What is inside the complex?
The Minying International Trade Center is a massive city-within-a-city. It includes the supertall Tower T2, several shorter residential and office towers, and a large shopping mall podium that features an open-air amphitheater and rooftop gardens.

Who built it?
The project was developed by the Minying Group, a consortium of leading private enterprises in Dongguan, and constructed by China Construction Second Engineering Bureau.