Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA Shanghai retail resort

Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA Shanghai Retail Resort News

23 June 2026

Architects: Lead8

Location: Hongqiao International Central Business District, Shanghai, China

Lead8 Designs New Urban Retail Resort in Shanghai

Photos by Rex Zou

Introducing Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA in Shanghai

Hong Kong, June 2026 – Lead8 is proud to share the completion of Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA – an urban retail resort located along the historic Suzhou Creek within Shanghai’s emerging Hongqiao International Central Business District. Spanning approximately 256,000 square metres, the development delivers a model for contemporary retail by integrating wellness, nature, and community into a family-friendly destination.

“Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA reflects our ambition to create places in our urban cities that restore and connect. This project challenges traditional retail typologies with an outside-in experience that elevates the entire destination,” said Simon Chua, Co Founder & Executive Director at Lead8.

Commissioned to deliver a next-generation commercial hub, Lead8’s design responds to the client’s vision for a social anchor that transcends conventional retail. The result is an immersive, mixed-use environment that blends commerce with culture and leisure to create an experiential destination for the community.

An Open-Air Urban Escape

Drawing inspiration from the Jiangnan region’s rich cultural landscape and the fluidity of Suzhou Creek, the architecture is characterised by flowing lines and organic forms that echo surrounding waterways and mountainous terrains. This design language extends seamlessly into the interiors, where biophilic principles create calm, nature-immersive environments that promote wellbeing and relaxation.

Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA offers a carefully curated mix of over 300 brands across retail, dining, leisure, and lifestyle sectors. A dynamic composition of indoor and outdoor spaces caters to a wide demographic, from families and youth to wellness-focused visitors. Generous terraces, pet-friendly zones, and landscaped public areas encourage social interaction, transforming the development into an expansive urban playground.

Eco-conscious and Human-centred Design

Strategically positioned within a rapidly growing district surrounded by residential communities, educational institutions, and major transport links, the project serves as a key social and commercial hub. It forms part of a larger 400,000 square metre super complex that includes the Costco China flagship store and the Hongqiao International Business Center, reinforcing its role as a landmark destination within Shanghai’s evolving urban fabric.

Sustainability is integral to the project’s vision. Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA has achieved LEED Gold Certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental performance. The design incorporates green roofs, biodiversity-enhancing landscapes, and energy-efficient systems to mitigate urban heat island effects, improve air quality, and reduce overall carbon footprint. Its proximity to public transit further supports low-carbon mobility and accessibility.

“Congratulations to SCPG and the entire team – we’re proud to see this vision harmonising commerce, culture, nature, and sustainability thrive in Shanghai,” added Simon Chua.

Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA showcases how thoughtful design can harmonise commerce, culture, nature, and sustainability within one of Shanghai’s most dynamic new districts. The development recently won ‘Best in Asia’ for Retail Architectural Design at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2025.

Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA Shanghai Retail Resort – Building Information

Project Details:

Client: SCPG
Architecture – Retail: Lead8
Interior Design – Retail: Lead8
Landscape Designer: Hassell
Lighting Designer:Tungsten Studio
Signage Designer: BrandU
Size: ~256,000 sqm

Lead8

Lead8 is an international design studio with award-winning expertise in architecture, interior design, masterplanning, placemaking and wayfinding design. With a team of over 200, we work on projects in more than 100 cities around the world from studios in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Shenzhen, Vancouver and Dubai.

Since our inception, Lead8 has partnered with some of the world’s leading property developers, owners and operators, creating a portfolio that includes Central Yards in Hong Kong, Parade at One Bangkok, and The Ring in Chongqing.
www.lead8.com

Image Credits: Lead8 | Photographer: Rex Zou

Hongqiao Qianwan Incity MEGA Shanghai Retail Resort building images / information received 220626 from Lead8 architects studio

Location: Hongqiao International Central Business District, Shanghai, China.