Top 10 Mega Malls to Reshuffle in Shanghai

Shanghai's retail landscape is about to undergo a major transformation with a shake-up among its top ten largest malls. In the next 3-5 years, several new mega-malls will make their debut.

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Top 10 Future Mega Malls in Shanghai

The entry bar for making it to the top ten will rise from 180,000 ㎡ to 250,000 ㎡, with the largest mall surpassing 400,000 ㎡. The combined area of the new top ten malls will total nearly 3.1 million ㎡, equivalent to 430 standard football fields.

Back in 2002, the opening of the 250,000 ㎡ Super Brand Mall marked the birth of Shanghai's first shopping mall exceeding 200,000 ㎡. Over the past two decades, there are only 12 shopping malls have reached the 200,000㎡ mark.

Currently, Shanghai has nearly 20 large-scale commercial projects exceeding 100,000 ㎡ under construction, most of which will be completed within the next 3-5 years.

Among these, malls like Songjiang Incity MEGA, Prisma, Shanghai Changtan, ITC, and Taikoo Li Qiantan (Phase I & II) are set to break into the top ten. However, famous mega malls like Super Brand Mall in Pudong, LOVE@The City, Shanghai MixC, and Aegean Place will all be squeezed out of the rankings.

Rendering of Songjiang Incity MEGA

Leading the pack, Songjiang Incity (Phases I and II) will boast an impressive scale of over 400,000 ㎡. Let's take a look at the future top ten mega malls of Shanghai.

No. 1: Songjiang Incity | 405,000 ㎡

In 2021, the first phase of Songjiang Incity opened.

Now, just west of Phase I, Shanghai is set to welcome another mega mall, Songjiang Incity MEGA Phase II, boasting over 250,000 ㎡.

This project marks the third MEGA product by SCP Group in Shanghai.

According to the plan, Songjiang Incity MEGA Phase II will feature nearly 400 tenants, including a 3,500 ㎡ ice rink, a 3,000 ㎡ kid's park, a 1,500 ㎡ large indoor sports space, a gym with an infinity pool, and a large indoor zoo.

Currently, Phase II is under construction and is set to open in the first half of 2027. Once completed, the two phases will be connected via an aerial walkway. With a total commercial area of 405,000 ㎡, Songjiang Incity MEGA will be the largest shopping mall in Shanghai.

Address: Lane1788 Guangfulin Road, Songjiang District

Expected Opening: First half of 2027

No. 2: Prisma | 360,000 ㎡

Prisma is currently under rapid construction. The commercial area will reach an impressive 360,000 ㎡, featuring over 500 shops.

The project's design benchmarks international TOD standards. To further enhance convenience, a new 9-meter-wide public passageway will be open 24/7, achieving integration of transportation, commerce, and residential living.

The commercial section will focus on emerging consumer elements such as culture, art, and digital technology, highlighting their impact on modern lifestyles and market trends.

The canyon-style design is another highlight. It enhances green landscapes through glass curtain walls and links diverse commercial scenes with circular pathways.

Scheduled to be completed and open to the public in 2025, Prisma will be a new commercial landmark in Pudong.

Address: Jufeng Road Station, Jinqiao Town, Pudong New Area

Expected Opening: 2025

No. 3: Nanxiang Incity MEGA | 340,000 ㎡

With a total area of approximately 340,000 ㎡, Nanxiang Incity MEGA is currently the largest shopping mall in Shanghai.

The mall features over 400 brands, with more than 85% being the first stores in the region and over 40% being the first stores in Shanghai.

In just one year since opening, it has achieved remarkable success with total sales surpassing 3.8 billion RMB and attracting nearly 40 million visitors.

Nanxiang Incity MEGA hosts various themed events throughout the year. Every visit brings a new surprise.

Address: No. 2299 Chenxiang Highway, Jiading District  

Opening Time: August, 2020

No. 4: Global Harbor | 320,000 ㎡

As the largest shopping mall in Shanghai's central urban area, the 320,000 ㎡ Global Harbor has been a popular destination for over a decade.

The mall features European-style decor with distinctive domes and corridors, red Roman columns, white escalators, and golden ceiling lights, creating a stunning visual experience.

Global Harbor offers a wide range of brands and themed areas on each floor. Last year alone, it introduced 135 brands, including 12 national, 5 East China, and 15 Shanghai firsts.

The mall also houses cultural venues such as museums and performance spaces, along with a nearly 30,000 ㎡ rooftop garden.

Address: No. 3300 North Zhongshan Road, Putuo District

Opening Time: July 2013

No. 5: Shanghai Changtan | 300,000 ㎡

Shanghai Changtan is a massive complex with a total area of approximately 1.47 million ㎡. Featuring a 1.8-kilometer riverside, the complex includes about 500,000 ㎡ residential spaces, 180,000 ㎡ green spaces, and around 300,000 ㎡ commercial spaces.

Image for reference only

The commercial section is designed by the renowned UK-based Benoy architectural studio. It stretches along the riverside and Mudanjiang Road, comprising a central commercial area and a sky street.

The sky street, an essential connecting passageway, spans about 416 meters and creatively incorporates elements of the Yangtze River dolphin. It not only forms a circular commercial layout but also showcases the architectural and cultural features of Changtan.

Shanghai Changtan will also feature several iconic landmarks, including the largest concert hall in northern Shanghai, the largest spherical cinema in China, and the 180-meter Yangtze River observation tower.

Address: Mudanjiang Road, Baoshan District

Expected Opening: TBD

No. 6: LL Land | 293,000㎡

As the earliest shopping mall in the Xinzhuang area, the nearly 300,000㎡ LL Land has long been a popular destination for nearby residents.

In 2010, with a grand opening featuring Carrefour, B&Q, Parkson Department Store, CGV Cinemas, and popular fast-fashion brands like ZARA and Uniqlo, LL Land revolutionized the commercial landscape of the Xinzhuang area.

In addition to a wide range of shopping options, it also features plazas that attracted many people to take photos when it first opened.

Despite competition from new shopping malls today, LL Land creates national-themed festivals and themed commercial zones to offer fresh shopping experiences.

Address: No. 5001 Dushi Road, Minhang District

Opening Time: 2010

No. 7: Taikoo Li Qiantan | 290,000㎡

Unlike other luxury shopping malls, Taikoo Li Qiantan is located outside the central urban area of Shanghai. Covering 120,000㎡, it features high-end brands like LV, Dior, and Hermès.

Attractions like the Scenic Bridge, Sky Loop, rooftop garden, outdoor cinema, and art installations draw in crowds eager to capture their moments on social media.

Rendering of Qiantan Lot 21

Following Qiantan Taikoo Li, Swire Properties is developing another maga mall, Qiantan Lot 21, with a commercial area of about 170,000㎡.

Rendering of Qiantan Lot 21

As Qiantan's largest complex, Qiantan Lot 21 has garnered much attention. It is located just across the street from Taikoo Li Qiantan. Their design styles and shopping routes are interconnected, creating a seamless experience between the two projects.

Rendering of Qiantan Lot 21

Plans include connecting the two projects with a sky bridge, creating a nearly 300,000㎡ shopping destination.

Address: No. 500 Dongyu Road, Pudong New Area

Opening Time: 2021

No. 8: ITC | 279,000㎡

After nearly a decade in development, ITC, the super complex aiming to create the urban center of the next century, is finally nearing completion.

Developed by Hong Kong's Sun Hung Kai Properties with an investment of about RMB 33.4 billion, the project spans approximately 706,000㎡ in total, equivalent to creating another Xujiahui.

It includes a 370-meter tall landmark building, over 370,000㎡ of top-grade office space, 180,000㎡ high-end residences, a six-star hotel, and a massive 279,000㎡ shopping mall.

Image for reference only

Designed by the internationally renowned architectural and design studio Lead 8, the mall features five above-ground floors and six underground levels.

Beyond its diverse offerings, it boasts diverse entertainment options, including an IMAX cinema, an Olympic-level ice rink, a sky opera house, and a modern art cultural street.

Image for reference only

One ITC opened in late 2019 as the first phase, with the entire ITC set to complete in 2024, and the commercial sections opening in phases through 2025.

Address: Huashan Road at West Guangyuan Road, Xuhui District

Expected Opening: 2025

No. 9: Wanda Plaza (Wujiaochang) | 260,000㎡

Opened at the end of 2006, Wanda Plaza (Wujiaochang) debuted as Shanghai's largest mall with the most anchor stores at the time.

The complex features five shopping buildings connected by three pedestrian streets and a plaza, with anchor stores like Walmart, Printemps, HOLA, and Wanda International Cinema.

In 2017, after 11 years in operation, the plaza underwent a major renovation, covering 80,000㎡. Post-renovation, the mall blends old Shanghai charm with European styles.

It boasts themed areas like shikumen street, British-style street, and women's theme street, along with a new glass curtain wall and LED screens that transform into a stunning light show at night.

Address: No. 36 Guobin Road, Yangpu District

Opening Time: 2006

No. 10: Bailian Zhonghuan Commerce Plaza | 250,000㎡

Bailian Zhonghuan Commerce Plaza has been a local staple for 18 years.

The mall covers 250,000㎡, with the main building in Zone A spanning 200,000㎡ and Zone C adding another 50,000㎡. It offers various shopping, dining, leisure, and entertainment options.

It hosts major stores like boutiques, supermarket, restaurants, and various entertainment facilities. Nearby, there are additional commercial streets and major retailers like Metro, B&Q, and Red Star Macalline.

In addition to Bailian Zhonghuan Commerce Plaza, Wanda's third mega shopping mall in Shanghai, Wanda Plaza (Jiangqiao), also boasts a commercial area of 250,000㎡, placing them both in the top ten.

Address: No. 1228 Zhenguang Road, Putuo District

Opening Time: 2006

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