The Khan Shatyr Shopping Centre is the largest complex of its kind in Kazakhstan. Far more than just a retail outlet, the world’s biggest tent, as it is, is a landmark construction in Astana which dominates the city’s horizon and represents the emergence of a contemporary and prosperous city.

Across Water Green Boulevard, worth a leisurely stroll in itself, is the new and world famous Khan Shatyr Centre, given mostly to retail but also to a large extent to entertainment. Busy every day, and packed on public holidays, this structure qualifies as a tent, with its roof adopting the shape and function of a canopy, and being 150 metres high, it naturally qualifies as the world’s biggest of its kind. Boy scouts may be disappointed, although few others will. This amazing centre has everything bar the traditional camp fire, from quality shops to excellent restaurants, a state-of the-art gym and even a beach, all visible from the roller coaster which skirts round the circumference.