A groundbreaking ceremony for a new skyscraper took place in Beijing's central business district (CBD) on Monday, marking the beginning of construction on what will eventually be the city's tallest skyscraper.

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2011 shows the ceremony for the beginning of the construction of the city's tallest skycraper in Beijing, capital of China. Beijing will begin building the city's tallest skyscraper in its central business district. The 108-story 510-meter building, called "China Zun", is shaped like a zun, an ancient Chinese wine vessel, and will be completed within five years. [Photo/Xinhua]

The design of the China Zun building was inspired by an ancient Chinese wine vessel, according to the CITIC Group, the building's developer. The building will serve a variety of functions, serving as both an office building and a tourist destination, according to the group.

The China Zun will dwarf the nearby China World Trade Center Tower 3, a 330-meter-tall building that is currently the tallest in the city.

Aiming to top China's more environmentally-friendly skyscrapers, the group said that the building will feature the latest energy-saving technology in order to encourage the efficient consumption of energy.

The building's top floor will function as a sightseeing platform and cafe, providing visitors with a panoramic view of the CBD, the group said.

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