Located in Qianjiang Century City, Hangzhou, the Regent International stands as a remarkable Black Mirror-style building, housing a community of 20,000 individuals who never have to step foot outside.
These amenities make it unnecessary for residents to leave the apartment complex
While residents have the option to leave the building, the complex offers a wide range of facilities that eliminate the need to go outside.
It includes supermarkets, barbershops, swimming pools, cafes, and even nail salons. This self-contained environment creates a utopian society where all the necessities are easily accessible.
However, inside the flats, they are quite ordinary compared to the futuristic exterior of the building.
They lack the eerie atmosphere typically associated with the dystopian world of Black Mirror. The apartments are simple yet practical, and equipped with the necessary amenities for comfortable living.
The estate agent's listings showcase small kitchens with fitted units and countertops, three decently sized bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with a bathtub and the other with a shower), and a versatile living space.
The interiors follow a neutral design, with laminate flooring in the bedrooms and marble tiles in other areas.
Moreover, the apartments come furnished with essential items like washing machines, dining tables, sofas, and microwaves, making it convenient for tenants to settle in smoothly.
The low rental price makes it an ideal choice for young people.
The Regent International building appeals particularly to students, graduates, and young professionals seeking affordable housing options.
Monthly rental prices for smaller apartments without windows reportedly start around $207, while larger properties with balconies can reach approximately $552.
However, the trade-off for this self-contained living experience is the absence of natural daylight and the potential challenges of residing in a country known for its authoritarian tendencies.
One potential concern is the fate of the building itself.
As China's population declines, there is a risk complex becoming a ghost town, with empty or abandoned blocks scattered throughout the country.
The success of such a self-contained living environment depends on the presence of a thriving community that actively utilizes the provided services and amenities.
However, for the people living in Regent International, the building provides a special way of life where everything they need is conveniently accessible with a short elevator ride.
Due to its large population, the Black Mirror-style building is often criticized for being more polluted compared to other areas.
According to some individuals, you may feel a certain discomfort with the air quality unless you step outside to breathe in fresh air.
