Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Hong Kong is not short of superlatives, and the completion of the Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Wan Chai district on Hong Kong Island at a cost of 2.5 billion Hong Kong dollars added one more. With an area of 31,000sq.mi, it provides accommodation for trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences, together with two international luxury hotels with 1500 beds and a high-rise apartment block.

Built in only two years, the complex boasts such refinements as the world's largest wall of glass (with a fascinating view over Hong Kong harbor and Kowloon), two goods lifts each of which can carry a fully laden 45-ton truck, and conference rooms which can accommodate 3500 people.

Soon after its completion the center - where important trade fairs and congresses are regularly held - was booked up for years ahead. However it soon proved to be too small, and an extension was built in 1997 on land reclaimed from the sea.