This 1.4-million-square-foot office and shopping complex on Shanghai's waterfront represents the blossoming of China as a world financial power and is the result of an invited international competition. The development site is located near the Bund-a classical, historic, cosmopolitan district that faces the Huang Po River and was Shanghai's center in the 1920's. The Bund has many distinguished buildings punctuated with domes and spires, and at night their illuminated facades reflect along the waterfront.

Frank Williams chose the octagon form because of its prevalence in Chinese culture as a symbol of good fortune, which helps integrate the building into the local architectural tradition.

A plaza wraps the building at its base, offering a multi-level public realm that animates the development with street life. Near the tower's top are two observation decks with panoramic views of the city and the river. A fully glazed octagonal form containing three restaurants crowns the tower and appears as a large lantern. Smaller lanterns punctuate the tower and the low-rise buildings to meld them with the glowing landmarks along the Bund.