Guangzhou is seeking brilliant designers across the world for a new landmark building, a sightseeing tower.

A notice recently issued by Guangzhou¡¯s planning bureau invites well-known designers worldwide to participate in designing the tower, which is estimated, to cost of 1.5 billion yuan.

To be situated on the south bank of the Pearl River, the tower will be the focal point of the new Guangzhou cultural center¡¯s 12-kilometer central line which connects Guangzhou Railway Station, Pearl River New Town, Guangdong Museum in the north and new Guangzhou Passenger Port in the south.

The tower would be designed as a tourist attraction.

It would be expected to be a profitable investment as well being a new landmark. Sources from Shanghai Oriental Pearl Group said, the 486-meter Shanghai tower, the world¡¯s third tallest TV tower, generated revenue of 80 million yuan in tourism and sightseeing only.

In addition to the tower, a 56.6-hectare area of land around the base is to be included the landscape design.

According to the notice, design companies will be paid 350,000 yuan if their entries passed preliminary assessment. Winning entries will be paid an additional 250,000-yuan. The successful bid will be paid design fees of no more than 3 percent of the total construction cost, around 45 million yuan.  

Editor: Catherine