Biggest mall and cultural center opens

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Biggest mall and cultural center opens

By Li Anlan (Shanghai Daily) 09:08, August 20, 2013

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Shanghai's biggest shopping and commercial complex, Global Harbor, covers 480,000 square meters and is the city’s first such complex to include major public art and cultural exhibits as well as tourism, entertainment and cultural heritage protection.

The opulent complex in Putuo District is topped by an enormous glass dome and features red and gold decor in neoclassical style, including Corinthian columns, statuary and 1,200 square meters of frescoes depicting classic Venetian scenes, modern vessels and Putuo’s modern cruise terminal along the Suzhou Creek. The garden courtyard blends Renaissance and Victorian styles.

The complex is shaped like a ship, symbolizing Shanghai’s and Putuo’s maritime industry, developing commercial port and cruise ship terminal.

It was designed by British firm Chapman Taylor. It contains an office building, hotel and apartments as well as retail and cultural space, entertainment, cafes and restaurants.

The six-level complex, two underground and four on the ground, with an open central court and rooftop garden opened on July 5. Five hundred brands have leased space.

Transport is convenient; the complex is connected to Metro lines 3, 4 and 13.

Unlike traditional malls, 20 percent of Global Harbor is designated for public cultural display and engagement. It is a pioneering project that combines a commercial and shopping complex with cultural projects.

A shopping festival, one highlight of this year’s Shanghai Tourism Festival, will be held at the complex from September 15.

“The establishment of public cultural space at the Global Harbor is a new area we are exploring in Shanghai and involves government, companies and cultural institutions,” said Yang Qinghong, director of the Shanghai Public Cultural Office.

The space includes entertainment space, art galleries, museums and exhibitions. They include the Chinese Comics Gallery, the Dunhuang National Musical Instruments Exhibition Center, Shanghai Qipao (qipao, a classic, form-fitting dress) Art Hall, Youhuangli Guqin Art Center (guqin is an ancient zither), and Global Harbor artwork auction.