The 2,073-foot-tall Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, opens this year. More than just a skyscraper, it's a symbol of Shanghai's — and China's — soaring ambitions.

The three buildings are Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower, architect Stefan Al wrote in his new book, "Supertall." Business Insider Subscribe Newsletters ...

Shanghai Tower will have the world's fastest lifts, with the Mitsubishi-designed, double-height cabs whisking building occupants and visitors skyward at 40 mph using innovative technologies ...