China’s shopping malls are evolving rapidly from conventional retail spaces into immersive, nature-filled destinations. Developers are incorporating indoor forests, cascading waterfalls, lush gardens, and elevated sky walkways, transforming these complexes into vibrant social and leisure hubs rather than just places to shop.
The Shift to Park-Style Retail
Across mainland China, property developers are embracing biophilic design — an approach that brings nature indoors — in both new constructions and renovations of shopping centers. These park-style malls feature tropical indoor forests, dramatic water features, sky bridges, and expansive green areas that create a refreshing escape from urban life.
Industry reports show significant growth in this trend. The number of such nature-integrated commercial complexes in China’s major cities reached around 150 last year. Their share of total commercial space in the top 30 cities jumped from 3.7% in 2020 to 17.6% in 2025, highlighting a clear shift in retail development strategy.
This change is driven by evolving consumer habits. With e-commerce dominating everyday purchases, people visit malls less for buying products and more for experiences — dining, entertainment, wellness activities, and socializing. Open, green environments encourage longer visits, host events, and boost evening foot traffic, helping malls remain relevant in a competitive market.
As James Macdonald, head of China research at Savills, observed, consumers now see retail destinations as places to spend quality time rather than simply transact. Open-air and nature-focused designs support a wider range of human-scale activities that align with modern lifestyles.
Standout Examples Across China
Several projects exemplify this trend:
- In Chongqing, The Ring Mall and similar developments boast stunning indoor tropical forests complete with large waterfalls and sky walkways. Visitors often feel transported to a rainforest, surrounded by thousands of plants that create a serene urban oasis.
- Swire Properties’ Taikoo Place in Beijing represents a massive investment of about 23 billion yuan (roughly US$3.2 billion). This riverside project integrates offices, expanded retail connected to the existing Indigo mall, a hotel, and abundant greenery. Designed as an “urban oasis” in a densely built city with limited public parks, phases are slated to open from late 2026 onward.
- In Shanghai, the 1000 Trees mall stands out with its mountain-like structure featuring terraces that support over 1,000 trees and thousands of additional plants. Other notable examples in cities like Taizhou and Kunming use suspended greenery, native plants, water elements, and natural motifs to deliver an ecological and visually striking atmosphere.
These designs cleverly blend indoor and outdoor spaces through skylights, atriums, and vertical gardens, resulting in highly photogenic spots that enhance the overall visitor experience.
Economic and Social Drivers Behind the Trend
China’s retail sector continues to face pressure from online shopping and market maturation. Traditional malls are struggling, while differentiated, experience-driven projects are performing better and attracting more visitors.
Rapid urbanization has left city dwellers yearning for green spaces. Park-style malls address this demand by serving as community gathering points for families, relaxation, and events. They also align with national initiatives promoting “park cities” that integrate nature into urban planning for improved well-being and environmental benefits.
Biophilic elements have proven effective at increasing dwell time, improving mood, and driving higher spending, according to various studies and real-world performance data.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Creating and maintaining large indoor forests and water features comes with higher upfront and ongoing costs related to landscaping, irrigation, lighting, and climate systems. However, successful projects generate strong returns through diversified income streams including retail, food and beverage, events, and premium leasing.
As younger Chinese consumers increasingly prioritize lifestyle, sustainability, and experiential outings, this trend is expected to gain further momentum. Developers are positioning these malls as essential “third places” — comfortable spaces between home and work — to build long-term customer loyalty.
In essence, China’s malls are not merely adapting to the rise of e-commerce; they are reimagining urban retail as green sanctuaries that enrich city life. This “park life” model may well inspire similar transformations in retail developments worldwide.
About The Author
