Never before could the shopping mall be considered a simple retail space; they have grown into sprawling entertainment or lifestyle centers that draw millions of visitors each year. Ranging from high-end shopping and upscale eateries to amusement parks and indoor aquariums, the world’s largest malls change the concept of shopping.
These modern architectural wonders cover millions of square meters, containing thousands of stores, cinemas, hotels, and even theme parks all under one roof. Asia and the Middle East seem to be the powerhouses of mall culture, as the biggest malls in the world can be found there, from China and Thailand to the United Arab Emirates.
Every mall included has something special to offer, from Dubai Mall’s fabulous underwater aquarium, and Iran Mall’s incredible cultural areas, to West Edmonton Mall’s super-sized indoor water park. These shopping centers serve not only as stores but also as tourist destinations, contributing to the local economies.
In this blog, we will discuss the top 10 biggest shopping malls in the world; from the shopaholic to the foodie and the adventurist, these malls have something for everyone.
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Top 10 Largest Malls in the World
There are various world’s largest malls; let’s discover the world of mega shopping malls!
1. South China Mall
The South China Mall in Dongguan is one of the largest mall in the world worldwide covering 600,000 square meters of total floor space. The mall features seven distinct zones based on Venice Paris Amsterdam and Hollywood which brings a global city atmosphere to visitors. The shopping center presents European-styled boulevards along with a miniature Arc de Triomphe and boat cruises through its man-made canal system.
South China Mall provides shoppers with more than just stores because it includes an immense indoor theme park, a roller coaster, and an IMAX movie theater. The food court at this establishment presents international dining choices to satisfy various tastes.
The mall draws millions of annual visitors following its renovation which has turned it into a leading destination for shopping and tourism in China. Visitors to South China Mall can find both shopping luxury brands as well as cultural attractions and adventure activities throughout this unique destination.
- Location: Dongguan, China
- Year Opened: 2005
- Number of Stores: 2,350+
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 08:00 PM
2. Golden Resources Mall
Golden Resources Mall, also known as the "Great Mall of China", claims 560,000 square meters, which previously stood as the world's largest shopping mall. The enormous shopping mall in Beijing offers customers luxury boutiques, local brands, and high-end retail stores.
When it first opened, the mall experienced poor performance because it was priced for luxury shoppers while being positioned beyond central Beijing, which limited accessibility for ordinary shoppers. The growth of China's economy triggered the increased popularity of the mall. This destination welcomes many visitors every year who find its combination of shopping centers, dining areas and entertainment services appealing.
Golden Resources Mall offers big-screen theaters, upscale hotel facilities, international and local dining establishments. The shopping and business facilities of Golden Resources prioritize luxury retail and office operations which target exclusive customers.
The mall now attracts large numbers of shoppers due to its strategic planning and enhanced access points which made it Beijing's top shopping location. Golden Resources Mall maintains its position as a vital retail powerhouse in China while offering customers luxury brands and fine dining together with premium shopping facilities.
- Location: Beijing, China
- Year Opened: 2004
- Number of Stores: 1,000+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
3. ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM is Bangkok's top luxurious retail and lifestyle establishment situated along the Chao Phraya River. Visitors will find an indoor floating market inside ICONSIAM because it features traditional Thai market stalls, local cuisine purveyors, and handcrafted merchandise stores.
The mall connects shoppers to Siam Takashimaya, which serves as an exclusive Japanese department store and includes luxury shopping areas showcasing Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci brands.
The Thai entertainment destination ICONSIAM includes the nation's biggest Apple Store along with a large art gallery, world-class exhibition hall and digital water fountain show. The ICON Cineconic cinema provides VIP guests with reclining bed seating combined with gourmet food deliveries in their screening area.
ICONSIAM surpasses its role as a shopping center because it delivers spectacular riverfront vistas as well as cultural features alongside its blend of international and local stores to attract multi-million visitors. It provides visitors with a remarkable experience through its shopping district and dining services and its riverside charm.
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Year Opened: 2018
- Number of Stores: 500+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. SM Megamall
SM Megamall is a commercial icon of significant proportions in the Philippines and one of the largest shopping areas in Southeast Asia. It is situated in Mandaluyong City and covers a size of around 474,000 square meters, making it one of the largest malls in the world in terms of area covered. The mall has 700 + retail outlets, both foreign and local, and affordable brands.
In addition to shopping, SM Megamall is a full lifestyle mall. It also has a wide variety of entertainment, which includes modern cinemas and IMAX theatres, bowling alleys, and huge event halls. It is a very popular mall in the Philippines due to its central location and high connectivity.
SM Megamall provides a one-stop shopping experience to all family members, professionals, and tourists by offering bulk shopping, leisure, dining, and events.
- Location: Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Year Opened: 1991
- Number of Stores: 700+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
5. SM Mall of Asia
The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) covers 433,000 square meters represents one of the biggest malls in the world, and serves as a vital point of interest in Manila, Philippines. Visitors can use IMAX theater to experience global screen size mastery by watching movies on one of the biggest screens in the world. A giant Ferris wheel at the indoor amusement park of MOA offers visitors to view the spectacular sights of Manila Bay.
MOA stands out because it faces the bay, where people can enjoy a breathtaking promenade while watching remarkable sunset displays. The Mall of Asia Arena, an indoor stadium within the complex, regularly hosts major concerts, sports events, and international performances.
SM Mall of Asia exceeds its status as an ordinary shopping center through its international brands and dining choices as well as entertainment facilities, which make it an indispensable stop for domestic and international visitors to the Philippines.
- Location: Manila, Philippines
- Year Opened: 2006
- Number of Stores: 1,000+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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6. CentralWorld
CentralWorld takes its position as the largest mall in the world in Southeast Asia by occupying 430,000 square meters of space situated in Bangkok's downtown district. Computerized facilities at CentralWorld unite dining and retail shops with businesses and entertainment options in a single building.
CentralWorld differs from regular shopping malls because it acts as an urban entertainment hub through its roomy outdoor festival space, which serves as a venue for different concerts and celebrations across the year. The shopping complex maintains over 500 stores distributed among premium brands and fashion stores, along with technology-based shops inside its premises.
Asian consumers recognize Central Food Hall as one of the top gourmet supermarkets across the continent. Additionally, the shopping mall provides visitors with theaters, ice-skating pales, and large offices meant for business personnel.
CentralWorld is distinguished as one of Bangkok's premier locations for the New Year's Eve celebration because it organizes impressive countdown events. Tourists and residents of Thailand must experience CentralWorld because the mall presents a modern environment and two-way shopping possibilities together with uncommon encounters.
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Year Opened: 1990 (renovated in 2006)
- Number of Stores: 500+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
7. Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall occupies a prime location within Downtown Dubai area as it offers 399,500 square meters of shopping and entertainment facilities to visitors. The Burj Khalifa complex integrates this attraction, which makes it one of the most popular destinations worldwide. Dubai Mall houses a collection of over 1,200 retail establishments as well as high-class labels Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton to satisfy luxury consumers.
The enormous Dubai Mall provides much more than shopping services for its visitors. Visitors at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo walk through an enormous tunnel containing sharks and exotic sea creatures in the space.
Shoppers can enjoy Olympic-sized ice skating at Dubai Ice Rink while taking advantage of public sessions or professional instruction. The VR Park constitutes an interior virtual reality gaming space where visitors can enjoy innovative high-tech entertainment options.
Outside the mall area, the Dubai Fountain Show presents a beautiful display through a water and light combination that is enhanced by musical elements. The Dubai Mall showcases the premium urban experience of Dubai by combining shopping services with recreational activities and first-class attractions beyond traditional retail.
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Year Opened: 2008
- Number of Stores: 1,200+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (weekdays), 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (weekends)
8. West Edmonton Mall
West Edmonton Mall is one of the world's largest malls located in North America, measured at 350,00 square meters. It also offers an entertainment complex hosting attractions for people of all age groups. West Edmonton Mall boasts World Waterpark as its signature attraction because it stands as the largest indoor waterpark throughout North America, with tropical beaches, wave pools and multiple waterslides.
Within West Edmonton Mall resides Galaxyland, which occupies the spot as the second-biggest indoor amusement park globally due to its multi-rider roller coaster and extensive ride selection.
The mall provides visitors with an ice-skating rink and a mini-golf course that operates underground on a Santa Maria ship and an aquarium beneath the mall floors. Visitors can experience lodging in three distinct hotel rooms at the mall - an Igloo room, a Polynesian Paradise room and a Hollywood Glamour suite.
The annual year-round programming at West Edmonton Mall, with its enormous 800-store collection still draws large numbers of visitors from both tourist and residential populations. No other Canadian attraction provides the complete entertainment package you will find at West Edmonton Mall which satisfies every shopping and dining desire as well as offering adventurous activities.
- Location: Edmonton, Canada
- Year Opened: 1981
- Number of Stores: 800+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
9. Istanbul Cevahir
Istanbul Cevahir is a big retail shopping mall in Europe and one of the largest shopping malls in Turkey. The shopping centre is located in the Sisli area of Istanbul, and it covers an area of approximately 465,000 square meters and has millions of visitors each year.
The centre of the mall is filled with a huge glass dome and a huge clock, and it has since become one of the most recognisable structures of the mall. In addition to shopping and entertainment, concerts, shows, and seasonal events are held in Istanbul Cevahir, which is a cultural centre in the city.
It is also fortunate that it is directly accessible through the metro, and it is a central location. The mall has also succeeded in having shopping, entertainment, and social experiences to make it one of the most iconic commercial places in Istanbul.
- Location: Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey
- Year Opened: 2005
- Number of Stores: 300+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
10. Berjaya Times Square
Berjaya Times Square occupies 320,000 square meters of space as a shopping and entertainment hub facing Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. Southeast Asia maintains Berjaya Times Square as one of its largest malls which combines shopping venues with dining and recreational entertainment sections.
The shopping center includes over 1,000 shops that offer high-end fashion lines and affordable local speciality stores. The main distinctive feature is its Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, which is claimed to be Malaysia's biggest indoor theme park.
Visitors at the park can experience the Supersonic Odyssey roller coaster, which ranks among the highest indoor attractions globally, in addition to various entertainment rides and gaming areas.
The facility offers an enormous IMAX theater, a karaoke lounge, and bowling alley experiences for visitors. The mall stands out with its distinctive architectural layout of two towers, which encompass a sophisticated five-star hotel for guests who choose to stay directly inside the shopping district.
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Year Opened: 2003
- Number of Stores: 1,000+
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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World’s Largest Mall - Ranked by Sprawling Sizes
| # | Mall Name | Location | Size (sq. m) | Opened | Stores |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South China Mall | Dongguan, China | 600,000 | 2005 | 2,350+ |
| 2 | Golden Resources Mall | Beijing, China | 560,000 | 2004 | 1,000+ |
| 3 | ICONSIAM | Bangkok, Thailand | 525,000 | 2018 | 500+ |
| 4 | SM Megamall | Mandaluyong, Philippines | 474,000 | 1991 | 1000+ |
| 5 | SM Mall of Asia | Manila, Philippines | 433,000 | 2006 | 600+ |
| 6 | CentralWorld | Bangkok, Thailand | 430,000 | 1990 | 500+ |
| 7 | Dubai Mall | Dubai, UAE | 399,500 | 2008 | 1,200+ |
| 8 | West Edmonton Mall | Edmonton, Canada | 350,00 | 1981 | 800+ |
| 9 | Istanbul Cevahirl | Istanbul, Turkey | 465,000 | 2005 | 300+ |
| 10 | Berjaya Times Square | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 320,000 | 2003 | 1000+ |
Closing In
World’s largest malls transformed from traditional stores into cultural destinations as well as architectural masterpieces that serve as entertainment centers for visitors. Tourists and locals make Istanbul Cevahir, South China Mall, and Dubai Mall their essential destinations because the worldwide largest malls unite shopping experiences with theme parks ice rinks aquariums, and artificial waterways.
Shoppers with different preferences can find suitable retail options in these malls because they serve clients who desire luxury brands and families who want entertainment venues. West Edmonton Mall, Mall of America presents indoor roller coasters combined with waterpark entertainment facilities able to accommodate guests regardless of weather conditions.
ICONSIAM and Berjaya Times Square function as hybrid attractions because they unite shopping experiences with cultural displays and gastronomic food options that display the highlights of their respective national cultures.
Shoppers now come to such venues for dining experiences and leisure instead of solely purchasing items from stores. Visitors who explore any of these internationally prominent malls can look forward to a remarkable day that blends entertainment with luxury through adventurous shopping experiences.
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