Grand Opening of Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu

Swire Properties and Sino-Ocean Land today announced the grand opening of their joint-venture retail complex Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu, an open-plan, low-rise and lane-driven shopping precinct spanning approximately 114,000 sqm (1.23 million sq ft) [1] . Located in the heart of Chengdu’s downtown shopping district, the development has a direct connection to the metro station.

Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu was given its official welcome to the city with a full-day opening celebration themed “Embrace the Sky”. The launch party highlighted the unique open-plan concept of the retail complex, with VIP guests and visitors enjoying festive performances and an outdoor retail, entertainment and dining experience amidst vibrant public plazas and lanes within the complex.

Building on the successful partnership in the development of INDIGO, Beijing, Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu is the second joint venture project for Swire Properties and Sino-Ocean Land. The development fittingly leveraged the two companies’ experience in large-scale mixed-use developments, and their respective areas of strength – Swire Properties’ expertise in positioning, planning, design, leasing and property management; and Sino-Ocean Land’s extensive experience in building, design execution, construction and cost control in the Mainland.

Blending the old and the new, Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu realises an innovative architectural design that pays homage to traditional Sichuan architecture and the nearby thousand-year-old Daci Temple while incorporating modern building techniques and materials. By redefining this historical neighbourhood into Chengdu’s new downtown district, the open-air complex acknowledges the history and character of the city whilst immersing visitors in a unique shopping experience.

“The vision of Chengdu’s leaders demanded that we create something special for this prestigious site,” said John Slosar, Chairman of Swire Properties at the opening ceremony. “We created a modern bespoke design that pays the highest respect to the local history and heritage. The project is testament to Swire Properties’ ongoing pursuit of creativity and our approach to transformational development. We sincerely hope that the people of Chengdu will enjoy what we have delivered with Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu and embrace it as a landmark of their home city.”

Li Ming, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Sino-Ocean Land, said: “Sino-Ocean Land has 20 years of experience in commercial real estate in Mainland China, where we have created architectural projects within central business districts in many first-tier cities. Riding on the Chengdu municipal government’s plan to establish Chengdu as a new commercial and cultural landmark, we have joined forces with Swire Properties once again to create Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu. I believe our latest project is a showcase of the city’s historical culture and modern trends, and will offer Chengdu’s citizens and overseas tourists a brand new lifestyle experience.”

Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu curates a unique retail concept of a “Fast Lane” and a “Slow Lane”, delivering a diverse shopping experience to visitors. The “Fast Lane” incorporates luxury brands and high-end contemporary fashion while the “Slow Lane” comprises a line-up of outdoor diners and al fresco cafes as well as lifestyle stores. The retail complex offers a total of more than 300 stores, with 90% of the space pre-leased to a carefully crafted trade mix of international powerhouses and local prime retailers in various categories, from high-end fashion and sportswear to food and beverage and lifestyle products.

After a soft opening in October 2014, more than 180 shops have already opened, including the largest overseas flagship stores of the Japanese brand Muji, the first flagship store of Hermès in Southwest China, the first standalone Cartier store in China, the brand new flagship store of Gucci, the second and largest lifestyle and bookstore Fangsuo Commune in the country, as well as the first flagship store of Starbucks in Southwest and Central China. More than 110 brands seized the opportunity to make their debut in Southwest China and Chengdu.

Located in the hub of Chengdu Jinjiang District and in close proximity to the popular Chunxi Road shopping circle, Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu is part of the mixed-use development Daci Temple Project, which also comprises The Temple House, a boutique hotel with 100 rooms and 42 serviced apartments managed by Swire Hotels, as well as the 47-storey Grade A office tower Pinnacle One.