PPKM’s second study trip for 2025 saw a group of thirty five participants venturing to not one, but two cities in China, Chengdu and Chongqing who both boast vibrant shopping malls, but with distinctly different shopping vibes— Chengdu is steeped in elegance and heritage but Chongqing is alive with bold tastes and urban buzz.
Chengdu is home to some of China’s most iconic retail destinations which showcase global luxury brands alongside local designers, set against striking architecture. Huge spaces combine shopping with hotels, cinemas and even an indoor water park. Street fashion and local flavours abound along Chunxi Road and together, Chengdu’s malls embody elegance, heritage and urban energy.
Over in Chongqing, we saw a retail powerhouse, offering diverse shopping experiences across luxury, lifestyle and entertainment hubs. The key malls cater to high-end shoppers with international brands and sleek architecture, while others provide vibrant spaces for families, students and trend-seekers. Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street remains the beating heart of local commerce, blending department stores with street fashion and food. Together, these reflect Chongqing’s spirit—bold flavours, dramatic skyline views, and a shopping culture that thrives on energy, variety, and urban vibrancy.
Our tour took us to visit eight malls and commercial spaces in Chengdu, including the biggest mall in the world plus another seven in Chongqing, including the oldest department store – a whole lot of shopping precincts in just seven days, but there are numerous aspects to observe and learn, especially in a country like China who is the global fore-runner of innovation and invention.
We are grateful to the personnel at Mall China, our China counterpart, who made painstaking arrangements for the hosted mall visits.