South China Mall, Shopping center in Dongguan, China
The retail complex covers 660,000 square meters of commercial space with 2,350 storefronts divided into seven internationally themed districts, along with entertainment facilities and an amusement park.
Millionaire Hu Guirong began construction in 2005 with a 1.3 billion dollar investment aimed at transforming his native Dongguan into a commercial destination.
The complex incorporates replicas of international landmarks, including an Arc de Triomphe and a 2.1-kilometer indoor canal modeled after Venetian waterways that visitors can navigate by gondola.
Located 34 miles (55 km) from downtown Dongguan, the facility includes an IMAX cinema, numerous dining options, entertainment venues, and a theme park. Access is available via public transportation or taxi.
Occupancy rates climbed from under one percent in 2011 to 91 percent by 2020 after management redirected its strategy toward middle-income shoppers rather than luxury customers.
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