A striking red spiral staircase inside the OneM Center for Contemporary Art in Guangzhou, the capital city of South China's Guangdong Province, has officially set a new record in the Guinness World Records for the tallest sectional height of an unsupported spiral staircase.
Known as the "Ribbon of Pearl River," the dramatic steel staircase rises 31 meters from ground level and winds through eight floors of the building. Its most remarkable feature is a self-supporting section reaching 11.995 meters without a central column—an engineering achievement that secured the world record.
With a diameter of 13.6 meters and a total length of 186 meters, the staircase appears to float like a ribbon of red silk spiraling upward through the atrium. Constructed with more than 1,000 tonnes of steel, it features cantilevered sections extending up to eight meters, creating a visually dynamic and technically challenging structure.
The staircase forms the visual centerpiece of the OneM Center for Contemporary Art, whose architectural concept is inspired by the "Dance of the Pearl River." The building's stacked forms resemble a dancer turning toward the iconic Canton Tower, creating a symbolic dialogue between "one tower and one staircase" along the Pearl River skyline.
According to founder Dr. Sun Huaiqing, the name "OneM" is pronounced "One More," reflecting a philosophy of striving to go "one step beyond expectations." The staircase has been opened to the public as a cultural space, transforming a structural element into a piece of public art.
The venue will also host exhibitions, art planning projects and cross-disciplinary cultural events, integrating contemporary art with urban life in the vibrant Pazhou area in Haizhu District.
With its bold design and record-breaking structure, the "Ribbon of Pearl River" staircase is quickly becoming one of Guangzhou's newest architectural attractions and a must-visit check-in spot for travelers and design lovers.
Travel Tips
Location: OneM Center for Contemporary Art, Pazhou area in Haizhu District, Guangzhou (广州海珠区琶洲OneM当代艺术中心)
Best photo spots: From the ground floor looking upward, or mid-levels where the ribbon-like structure curves dramatically.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon when natural light pours through the atrium.
Nearby landmarks: Pair your visit with a trip to the nearby Canton Tower and the Pearl River waterfront for panoramic city views.
Author | Liu Lingzhi
Photo | Xun Jianqun from Guangzhou Haizhu Fabu
Video footage | OneM Center for Contemporary Art
Video editor | Liu Lingzhi
