New shopping paradise to open in two years
(Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2004-02-16 14:37

In the near future, local people will be able to take an electric-powered car go shopping, watch science fiction films in the stadium and enjoy an animal training performance in the city's largest commercial and cultural center-Shanghai Daning Commercial and Culture Center.

This futuristic experience will be realized in two years' time when Zhabei opens the center.

To realize its showpiece, the district government is spending 3.4 billion yuan (US$410 million) on the dreamlike center, designed to cover a total area of 800,000 square meters, twice the size of the Xujiahui Commercial Center.

"With the center, we aim to offer a place for people to go shopping, do their exercise, be entertained and take touring buses," said Liu Chunjing, the district's deputy director.

"People can expect to find a new kind of lifestyle there."

The district is optimistic that the center will be a great success.

"More people are moving to the Daning area these days with the rebuilding of the old residential areas. But currently, there isn't a large commercial center in the district to satisfy their demand," Liu said. "Compared with other well-known commercial centers (in the city), Daning is more advantageous since it includes a large green park and abundant space for exercise."

Perhaps the most eye-catching part of the center will be its 250,000-square-meter shopping mall, "Dream City." Unlike the city's other closed shopping malls, it will be the country's first North American-style open shopping mall-built without a roof.

The American-based RTKL Design, who also designed the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, won the international tender to design Dream City.

It will contain two hotels, four major stores, 270 stores, a pedestrian mall, theme restaurants, two cinemas, cultural and entertainment facilities and some office buildings.

Together with the shopping mall, Zhabei Stadium, Shanghai Circus World and the Daning Lingshi Park will make up the commercial and cultural center. They will be connected by underground passages and a pedestrian mall.

To get around, visitors can simply hop on the electric-powered cars and travel to the various locations.

Zhabei Stadium, which covers an area of 53,400 square meters, is located in the middle of Daning Commercial and Culture Center. It currently features 13 stands and two annexes but will undergo a large-scale remodeling.

Undoubtedly, one of its star attractions will be a feature where people can watch science fiction films, such as "Star Wars" and the "Terminator" series, on the stadium's big screen.

A number of sports stores and sports spaces will be built along the stadium, including sports facilities stores, a boxing gymnasium and a shooting range.

To satisfy demand, a pet club is in the planning at the unique Circus World building. The club will offer such services as pet training, medical care, kennels, exhibitions and a pet food supermarket. It will become a gathering place for pet owners and pet lovers alike. The designers also have big plans for the 680,000-square-meter Daning Lingshi Park, the largest green space in Puxi.

In the northeastern part of the park, a "Water World" amusement will be constructed where fountains and waterfalls - combined with music and light performance - are expected to attract many tourists.

Close