Which are the biggest malls in Asia?

Asia is home to some of the most impressive shopping malls globally. Beijing’s Golden Resources Shopping Mall claims the title of biggest mall in Asia, spanning a monumental 600,000 square metres. This article covers Asia’s biggest malls, what they offer and real estate aspects around malls.

See also: 7 biggest malls in India

 

List of the biggest malls in Asia

Discover the biggest malls in Asia, catering to the shopping, dining and entertainment needs of millions. 

 

Golden Resources Shopping Mall

Location: Beijing, China

Opened: 2004

Area: 600,000 sqm (approx.)

Number of stores: 1000+

Nicknamed the “Great Mall of China”, Golden Resources Shopping Mall stands tall with 6,000,000 square feet over 6 floors. With popular brands like Sephora and Starbucks in the mall, it is the largest mall in asia.

Special features:

• Championship Ice Rink
• Redsports Club
• Tongda Tiandi Kid’s Fiesta

CentralWorld 

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Opened: 1990

Area: 550,000 sqm

Number of stores: 500

With over 550,000 square metres of retail space, CentralWorld is Asia’s second largest mall. Owned by Central Pattana, it encompasses 550,000 square metres of shopping space along with an office tower and hotel. A 2006 redesign enabled it to surpass its rival Siam Paragon in size and offerings.

Special features:

• 400 fountainheads
• SF World Cinema
• Rink Ice Skate
• Isetan and Zen Megastore

The Dubai Mall 

Location: Dubai, UAE

Opened: 2008

Area: 502,000 sqm

Number of stores: 1200+

The Dubai Mall is the one of the world’s largest shopping malls according to total land area. With a retail space of 502,000 square metres within the expansive Downtown Dubai complex, it is a foremost shopping destination, attracting 54 million yearly visitors.

Special features:

• Dubai Aquarium
• VR Park
• Replica of Dubai Creek Tower

1 Utama Shopping Center

Location: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Opened: 1995

Area: 5,600,000 sq ft

Number of stores: 700+

The largest mall in Malaysia, 1 Utama Shopping Center has established itself as one of the biggest malls in Asia with six floors and over 700 retail outlets. Its convenient Location and transportation access add to its immense popularity.

Special features:

• Transportation hubs
• Indoor rock climbing wall
• Koi pond with suspension bridge

SM City North EDSA

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Opened: 1985

Area: 5,400,000 sq ft

With 5,400,000 square feet across various zones, SM City North EDSA is the Philippines’ largest mall. Its world-class offerings like skylights, IMAX and a sprawling Sky Garden have earned it global renown.

Special features:

• IMAX theatre
• Simulated Sky Garden river
• Solar power plant

SM Megamall 

Location: Mandaluyong, Philippines

Opened: 1991

Area: 5,100,000 sq ft

The second largest mall in the Philippines, SM Megamall comprises five buildings spanning 5,100,000 square feet and receiving 4 million visitors. From anchor stores like Toy Kingdom to an Olympic ice rink, it has something for everyone.

Special features:

• IMAX theatre
• Olympic-sized ice rink
• Chapel

Persian Gulf Complex

Location: Shiraz, Iran

Opened: 2011

Area: Over 4,800,000 sq ft

In Iran’s city of Shiraz, Persian Gulf Complex hosts over 2000 stores across its 4.8 million square feet. Distinctive attributes include indoor and outdoor amusement parks, hotel, cinema halls and Iran’s largest bowling centre. With parking for 5000+ vehicles, it is built to accommodate vast crowds.

Mid Valley Megamall 

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opened: 1999

Area: 4,500,000 sq ft

Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia occupies 4.5 million square feet including attractions like Golden Screen Cinemas. With a convention centre, prayer hall and variety of retail, F&B and entertainment, it embodies Malaysia’s lively shopping experience and events.

Siam Paragon

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Opened: 2005

Area: 4,300,000 sq ft

In Bangkok, Siam Paragon houses 4.3 million square feet of attractions like opera hall, aquarium and 15-screen multiplex. Opened in 2005, the mall brings together global brands, entertainment and dining in a polished setting reflecting Thai art and culture.

Lotte World Mall 

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Opened: 2014

Area: 2,400,000 sq ft

Lotte World Mall in Seoul combines shopping with a luxury hotel, aquarium, cinema and concert hall within 2.4 million square feet. Opened in 2014, it provides access to the latest fashion alongside entertainment for visitors of all ages and interests.

 

Real estate opportunities around Asia’s biggest malls

Asia’s biggest malls have transformed surrounding real estate, offering lucrative investment potential for residential and commercial developments.

Residential property around malls

Investing in residential projects around malls provides access to thriving retail ecosystems, driving up property values. With malls evolving into lifestyle hubs, nearby apartments or condos will appeal to young urban professionals and households seeking efficient live-work-play neighbourhoods.

Commercial property around malls

With millions visiting Asia’s mega malls each year, commercial space in adjoining towers or districts promise strong returns. Mixed-use projects blending offices, hotels and services cater to crowds while benefiting from high mall visibility and foot traffic.

 

Housing.com POV

Asia boasts some of the largest and most impressive shopping malls globally, catering to the diverse needs of millions of shoppers and visitors. From Beijing’s Golden Resources Shopping Mall, spanning a monumental 6,00,000 square metres, to other mega complexes like CentralWorld in Bangkok and The Dubai Mall, these malls redefine the shopping experience with their vast retail spaces, diverse offerings, and unique attractions.

Furthermore, the presence of these mega malls has significantly transformed the surrounding real estate landscape, presenting lucrative opportunities for both residential and commercial developments. Residential projects in close proximity to these malls benefit from access to thriving retail ecosystems, while commercial spaces in adjoining towers or districts capitalise on high visibility and foot traffic generated by the malls.

As these mega malls continue to evolve into lifestyle hubs and entertainment destinations, they not only shape the retail industry but also contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the cities they reside in. With their continued expansion and innovation, Asia’s biggest malls remain at the forefront of the region’s retail and real estate sectors, offering unparalleled experiences for shoppers and investors alike.

 

FAQs

Which is the largest shopping mall in Asia?

Asia's biggest mall for 2024 is Beijing's Golden Resources Shopping Mall spanning 600,000 sqm.

How many floors does Golden Resources mall have?

Golden Resources has 6 floors of retail space totaling an expansive 6 million square feet.

What year did CentralWorld mall open in Bangkok?

CentralWorld opened in 1990 as the World Trade Center before being rebranded in 2005.

Does Siam Paragon have an aquarium?

Yes, Siam Paragon is home to Siam Ocean World aquarium.

Which mall has the most parking spaces in Asia?

Persian Gulf Complex accommodates over 5000 vehicles, maximising access for its visitors.

Does Lotte World Mall have a cinema?

Yes, Lotte World Mall houses Lotte Cinema.

What public transport serves Golden Resources Mall?

Beijing Subway Lines 10 and 12 connect Golden Resources to the rest of the city.

Which Philippine mall has an Olympic-sized ice rink?

SM Megamall in Metro Manila hosts an Olympic-scale ice skating rink.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com