World's Tallest Skyscraper Taipei 101 Opens

Worlds Tallest Skyscraper Taipei 101 Opens
Taiwan celebrated the official opening of the world's tallest skyscraper Friday with a colorful opera performance and some of the island's top personalities taking elevators up to the 89th-floor observation platform.

Known as "Taipei 101," the 508-meter-high building -- which some liken to a giant bamboo shoot of glass and steel -- is named after its number of floors.

The structure boasts some of the world's fastest elevators. They travel 1,010 meters a minute and can go from the fifth floor to the 89th floor in 39 seconds.

As the Min Hwa Yuan opera troupe performed in the background, a host of prominent guests - including President Chen Shui-bian, Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou and Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng -- cut a ribbon.

Chen said Taipei 101 was "one of the most successful examples of (construction) projects ever completed in Taiwan."

The building is 56 meters taller than the previous record-holder, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Near the top of the building, a huge ball moves about to counter strong winds and seismic vibrations. Taiwan often suffers earthquakes, though most of the tremors don't cause any casualties or damage.