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Cities around the world have iconic landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands and the Great Wall of China.

And then, there's this architectural marvel that could appear in Shenzhen, China, soon:

The fantasy-like structure was designed by Japan's Sou Fujimoto Architects, according to architectural news website Archinect.

It is the winning design of the New City Centre Landmark for a new business district in Shenzhen called Qianhai.

99 "islands"

From a distance, the 268-metre tall Sky Island Tower appears to hover loftily over Qianhai Bay – kinda like a sci-fi movie come to life.

The futuristic floating tower comprises 99 individual tower-like pillars ("islands"), connected to the upper deck of the skyscraper.

The multitude of towers are grouped to appear as one structure looking onto the waterfront, to "symbolise the future of societies in the age of diversity".

According to ArchDaily, the pillars gradually vanish as they descend, lending an ephemeral quality to the structure.

A centralised core holds the landmark tower firmly in place.

Rooftop platform

At its upper viewing deck, there's a restaurant, walkway, sky lobby, and three-dimensional exhibition space.

Visitors can also admire the water dance event space at the tower's base.

Avant-garde.

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Top image via @sou_fujimoto Instagram