Best city skylines in Asia

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Asia contains the greatest concentration of dramatic urban skylines anywhere in the world, with decades of rapid economic development producing vertical cityscapes of extraordinary density and ambition across the continent's major metropolitan areas. The speed of construction in several cities means skylines have transformed within a single generation, and the supertall building counts of the continent's leading cities now significantly exceed those of longer-established urban centres elsewhere.

Waterfront and harbour settings frame some of the strongest compositions, where dense tower clusters rise directly from sheltered bays and river estuaries in configurations that reward viewing from water as much as from land. Elevated viewing infrastructure is well developed across the major skyline cities, with observation decks, rooftop bars and hilltop parks offering multiple perspectives across different distances and elevations.

Air quality and humidity affect visibility considerably across much of the region and checking conditions before visiting paid observation decks is worthwhile. The most dramatic skyline cities are also among the most visited destinations in the world and popular vantage points can be crowded during peak hours. Early morning visits deliver clearer air and smaller crowds at most elevated viewing points across the region.