Consumerist Architecture: Shanghai’s Most Impressive Malls

Consumerist Architecture: Shanghai’s Most Impressive Malls
By Cynthia Lopez , eChinacities.com

In a city of nearly 24 million people, Shanghai is a consumerist paradise and its impressive malls befit the city that has been dubbed the ‘Paris’ of Asia. Art exhibits, enthralling architecture, stunning design and even the occasional shark tank put Shanghai’s malls a step above your average run of the mill shopping center. Here are some of the most impressive examples in Shanghai.

1) K11View In Map
Originally a Hong Kong mall that was imported to mainland China, K11 has been labeled an “art mall” for it’s incredible design and architecture. As you walk in the entrance you’ll feel as if you were entering an art museum, you’ll see a glass dome suspended by tree sculptures. Besides the artistic design, once you’re inside you’ll see plenty of luxury brand stores such as Burberry and a variety of different restaurants such as G+ The Urban Harvest. This mall also houses exhibitions; one of its most famous (and crowded) exhibits was the Master of Impressionism by Claude Monet. 

Add: 300 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Huangpi Nan Lu, Luwan District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市黄浦区淮海中路300号K11购物艺术中心
Tel: 021 6387 6688
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
Website: http://www.shanghaik11.com/k11web/  
Getting there: Take subway line 1 to South Huangpi Road station

Global Harbor
Photo: archdaily.com

2) Global Harbor View In Map
The Global Harbor mall is one of Shanghai’s newest malls. When you first walk in through the entrance lined with Roman columns, you’ll feel as if you’re walking through a Chinese version of the Venetian in Las Vegas, minus the gambling and gondolas. This mall is packed with lots of entertainment. There are lots of well known brands such as Marks & Spencer and H&M; plenty of restaurants to choose from including Outback Steakhouse; and various art and culture galleries. There’s even a gym and an ice rink for those looking to get fit.

Add: 3553 Zhongshan Bei Lu, near Ningxia Lu, Putuo District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市普陀区中山北路3300 号
Tel: 021 5266 1888
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
Website: www.global-harbor.com/shanghai/sub/default.aspx
Getting there: Take subway line 3, 4 or 13 to Jinshajiang Road station

iAPM
Photo: Global Times

3) iAPMView In Map
iAPM mall is another recently opened mall and it’s in the heart of the former French Concession. This mall has one of the best and biggest cinemas in Shanghai; their IMAX cinema is not to be missed. Apple has opened its newest store in this mall and the famous Morton’s Steakhouse has opened a Morton’s Steak & Seafood Grille;  they also have the free steak sandwiches and happy hour special at this location.

Add: 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu Huangpu District
地址: 上海市黄浦区淮海中路999号
Tel: 021 6391 5517
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Website: www.shanghaiicc.com.cn
Getting there: Take subway line 1 or 11 to South Shaanxi Road station

4) Grand GatewayView In Map
The Grand Gateway mall is one of the oldest malls on our list, and it’s also one of the tallest malls on this list, and indeed, the planet. Some of this mall’s tenants include Tiffany & Co., Claire’s, Zara and Uniqlo. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from and a cinema. If you’re one who loves to shop then consider moving to the Grand Gateway’s service apartments, they have a great rooftop pool.

Add: Grand Gateway, B/F, 1 Hongqiao Lu, near Huashan Lu, Changning District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市长宁区虹桥路1号(华山路口)
Tel: 021 6132 7530
Opening hours: Daily 8:30-22:00
Getting there: Take subway line 1, 9 or 11 to Xujiahui station

5) Touch Mall View In Map
Touch is another newcomer in Shanghai. This mall is designed a bit differently from most of the other malls in Shanghai; it’s an outdoor mall, or a California-style mall. This is the perfect mall to go to when the weather is perfect! Have lunch at Wagas while you soak in some sun. There aren’t as many high-end shops at this mall and it also doesn’t get as crowded as some of the other malls in Shanghai, so it’s great for those who prefer less crowded spots. Also movie tickets at the cinema at the Touch Mall are cheaper than at other malls in Shanghai.

Add: 699 Zhongshan Nan Er Lu, near Dong'an Lu Xuhui District
地址: 上海市徐汇区中山南二路699号
Tel: 021 6195 6889
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Getting there: Take subway line 7 to Middle Longhua Road station

IFC
Photo:ChIfcapsho

6) IFC View In Map
The IFC mall is another Hong Kong import. This shopping mall houses some of the biggest luxury brand names such as Prada and Christian Dior. The mall is located in the financial district and nearby the Oriental Pearl Tower. For tourists who want to stay near this mall, book a room at the Ritz Carlton, it occupies the south tower of the IFC. In the IFC, there’s a cinema, restaurants, an import supermarket and serviced apartments. Don’t forget to check out the Apple store while you’re at this mall, it’s one of the most astonishing works of architecture.

Add: 8 Century Avenue, near Lujiazui Huan Lu, Pudong District, Shanghai
地址: 上海市浦东新区世纪大道8号国金中心商场
Tel: 021 2020 7070
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Website: www.shanghaiifcmall.com.cn
Getting there: Take subway line 2 to Lujiazui Road station

Warning:The use of any news and articles published on eChinacities.com without written permission from eChinacities.com constitutes copyright infringement, and legal action can be taken.

Keywords: Shanghai malls Modern Architecture Shanghai

0 Comments

All comments are subject to moderation by eChinacities.com staff. Because we wish to encourage healthy and productive dialogue we ask that all comments remain polite, free of profanity or name calling, and relevant to the original post and subsequent discussion. Comments will not be deleted because of the viewpoints they express, only if the mode of expression itself is inappropriate.