Written by Natalia |
Most people know Chengdu for its leisurely teahouses, spicy hot pot, and the adorable giant pandas. Yet, the city also boasts many modern landmarks. And the Chengdu New Century Global Center is just one of the most outstanding ones. Spanning 500 meters in length, 400 meters in width and covering a floor area of about 1.76 million square meters, the structure is the largest individual building in Asia which was designed as a multidimensional family playground.
It houses a Paradise Island Ocean Parkā (approx. 250,000 mĀ²), New Century Shopping Mallā (approx. 300,000 mĀ²), New Century Global Center Ā· Central Business Cityā (approx. 720,000 mĀ²), InterContinental Chengdu Global Center Hotel, and Mediterranean-style Commercial Town. More than a shopping destination, it offers a wonderland with beaches, wave pools, dining, entertainment, and more. If time permits, it is highly recommended to visit here during your Chengdu tour to seek thrills or relaxation. Just follow our guide to see how to visit this massive structure.
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- Key Figures & Facts of New Century Global Center: Understanding the Scale/Size
- Architecture and Design: A “Flowing Melody”
- Whatās Inside the New Century Global Center?
- How to Visit the New Century Global Center: A Practical Guide
- Cultural and Economic Impact
- Nearby attractions in Chengdu
- FAQs about Chengdu New Century Global Center
- Discover Chengduās Must-see Gems with China Xian Tour
Key Figures & Facts of New Century Global Center: Understanding the Scale/Size
- Chinese Name: ę°äøēŗŖēÆēäøåæ xÄ«n shƬ jƬ huĆ”n qiĆŗ zhÅng xÄ«n
- Location: No. 1700 North Section, Tianfu Avenue, Wuhou District, Chengdu City
- Height: 100 metersĀ (328 feet) tall
- Total Floor Area: 1.7 million square meters
- Length and Width: 500 meters long andĀ 400 meters wide
- Cost to Build: 150 million
- Opened: July 2013
- Floor Area: ~1.7 million mĀ²
- Main Functions: Entertainment, exhibition, business, shopping, and hotels
Architecture and Design: A “Flowing Melody”
New Century Global CenterĀ Architecture and Vision
The New Century Global Center is not just a large-scale building. It shows a bold vision and poetic design.
From the outside, the architecture symbolizes fluid modernism, exhibiting the dynamic spirit of the Chengdu people. The most striking is the gorgeous, rolling facade, a design of flowing melody. The facade is covered with glittering blue glass and white steel, distinct from the block-shaped outline of traditional skyscrapers. You can recognize it instantly.
From inside, it is a column-free expanse owing to the innovative,Ā vast space frame structure. The magnificent arched roof stands tall over your head for about 100 meters. Therefore, you can feel a sense of openness and grandeur.
Many tourists are allured by the New Century Global Center artificial sun, a gigantic, advanced LED screen spanning a large portion of the inside āskyā. Ever-changing clouds, sunset, and celestial views are projected on it. What a mesmerizing atmosphere.
This screen provides perfect weather 365 days a year for the Paradise Island Water Park below. The artificial beach and Mediterranean-style village bring the impossible dream of a beach holiday inĀ anĀ inland city to a reality.
New Century Global Center Architect and Development History
The birth of this New Century Global Center is a quick response to Chengduās rapid economic development. Its strategic goal is to become a leading hub for business and tourism in western China.
Considered as a catalyst for the bold urban city of Tianfu New Area, it aims to attract international intention, investment, and tourism. Rather than a commercial project, it is a comprehensive public space – a “city within a city”. The center is now an ideal destination for work, shopping, and leisure, improving the life quality and urban image of Chengdu.
This project was spearheaded by theĀ Chengdu Municipal Government and was developed by the Dragon Group, a conglomerate with deep roots in this region. The overall design is attributed to Ā the Paris-based architecture firm, ADP (AĆ©roports de Paris Ingenierie), who is experienced in managing vast and complex public spaces like airports.
The project began in 2010 and was officially inaugurated in September 2013, showing Chinaās ability in large-scale infrastructure projects. The construction cost is said to be 150 million. The vast investment exhibits a firm confidence in Chengdu’s travelĀ and future. An iconic landmark comes into being, drawing millions of visitors from across the globe.
Whatās Inside the New Century Global Center?
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
At the New Century Shopping Mall, you can find almost all brands in Chengdu and some unique shops that are not available anwhere else. You can come across international luxury boutiques, high-street fashion giants like Zara and Uniqlo, unique local brands, electronics emporiums, and specialty stores here. No matter your tastes and budgets, the shopping mall will get you satisfied.
Beyond shopping, it is a hub for leisure and dining. You can savour sundry foods from different places, fast food, coffee chains, authentic Sichuan hotpot, international cuisines, and so on.
The Golbal Center also offers plenty of entertainment venues, including a massive 15-screen IMAX cinema complex, an international standard ice hockey rink, racing tracks, and more. They together with shops and eateries, scattered throughout the complex, letting you hop between fun activities and great food without missing a beat.
- Related reading: Top Shopping Cities in China
The Paradise Island Water Park
- From Jun 20 – Aug 31, it opens at 10 AM and closes at 10 PM. The entry will be closed at 8 PM.
- From Sep 1 – Oct 8, it opens at 10 AM and closes at 6 PM from Monday to Friday. The entry will be closed at 5 PM. On weekends, it opens at 10 AM and closes at 7 PM. The entry will be closed at 6 PM.
- Ticket: CNY 188 per person for day time, and CNY 108 for night time.
The most fantastic place of the center, the Paradise Island Water Park, is the word biggest indoor artificial beach. It covers an area of 250,000 square meters with pristine white sand.
It boasts an indoor wave pool of 8,500 square meters, the largest in the world, and a 300-meter beach coastline. The park contains 18 water slides, the largest diameter horn slide in Asia, and 9 hot spring pools.
The lagoon-style pool is perfect for swimming and relaxation. There are water slides and a pirate ship waiting for tourists. The artificial sun LED ceiling helps maintain a comfortable summer temperature year-round. Just imagine: the sound of waves, the sight of palm trees, and a vibrant holiday.
Hotels and Accommodation
There are many hotels around the center, like the JI Hotel and the Orange Hotel.
The most recommended hotel is the InterContinental Chengdu Global Center for its convenience, a five-star hotel. It leads straight to the Paradise Island Water Park and is only 14 kilometers away from the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.
It offers pickup service and free parking. The hotel itself has swimming pools and fine-dining restaurants.
Other Features
The New Century Global CenterĀ is meticulously designed. It is carefully zoned with the Paradise Island at its center. The retail and dining sections radiate outwards. There are two hotels and office blocks standing at the periphery.
This design expands the accessibility of the center and avoids vision fatigue, ensuring the logical flow of the different zones.
The center can hold overĀ 300,000 square meters of premium office space for both domestic and international corporations. Moreover, a large-scale exhibition hall and several meeting rooms in the center have hosted many international trade shows, corporate events, and grand conferences.
How to Visit the New Century Global Center: A Practical Guide
How to Get There
- By Metro:
The most convenient way to arrive is via Chengdu Metro Line 1, exiting at Jincheng Plaza Station, which connects directly to the complex.
- By Bus:
You can take Bus No. 74 and get off at the stop of Global North Road.
- By Taxi:
Just tell the driver you want to get to the New Century Global Center: ę°äøēŗŖēÆēäøåæ (xÄ«n shƬ jƬ huĆ”n qiĆŗ zhÅng xÄ«n).
Related reading: Chengdu Transportation: Getting to & around Nearby Cities and Attractions
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
It is generally open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.Ā Some individual stores and restaurants may have different opening hours. You can check it online.
If you want to stroll around and have a peaceful experience, weekday (Monday to Thursday) is perfect because weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
If you want a lively atmosphere, evenings and weekendsĀ are ideal. You may encounter a foundation show and a light show in the evenings at the adjacent Jincheng Square.
If you are here for conferencesĀ and businesses, weekdays are the most convenient. Many hotels can prepare for the multi-day conferences.
Recommended Duration of Visit
- Short Visit (2-4 hours)ļ¼
It is better to choose a restaurant with outdoor views so you can enjoy the meal as well as the landscape.
- Long Visit (5-7 hours):
You can first do some shopping in the stores and have a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, you can explore the entertainment session.
- Full-Day Experience (8+ hours):
A full day visit is the most recommended. You have enough time for the Paradise Island Water Park. After that, just go shopping and immerse yourself in the center.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The Role of the Global Center in Chengduās Urban Development
It is constructed as the cornerstone of the Tianfu New Area, which is a large-scale master-planned zone in the southwest of Chengdu’s traditional city center. Its construction draws investment, population, and infrastructure away from the crowded city, establishing a new, modern urban city.
With the concept of a “city within a city,” it accelerates the development of surrounding residential complexes, commercial offices, and public amenities. It changes this previously underdeveloped area into a vibrant and popular destination overnight.
Tourism and Local Economy Impact
The New Century Global Center, as a super-regional tourist destination, attracts millions of tourists. People from all over the world come here to witness its scale and to experience its speciality.
Here are some main revenue streams:
- Spending on shopping, dining, hotels, and entertainment in this center.
- Providing tens of thousands of jobs in hotels, hospitality, and management.
- Giving birth to a vast network of suppliers, retailers, and corporate tenants.
Global Recognition as an Architectural Wonder
The center consolidates Chengduās place on the global architecture and engineering innovation. The global media acclaim it as a record-holder and modern ambition. It boasts the title of World’s Largest Building by Floor Area.
It proves the possibility of contemporary construction, creating a controlled internal environment. The center shows China’s economic power and technological prowess. Now it has been a must-see landmark for architects, engineers, and travelers, achieving the fame of a forward-looking global city.
Nearby attractions in Chengdu
A must-visit place. You can observe the cute giant pandas eating and playing here.
DistanceĀ from the Global Center:Ā Approximately 28 kilometers (about 40 minutes by car).
The oldest and the most energetic commercial street. Here, you can enjoy traditional crafts, yummy snacks, and an ancient-style atmosphere.
DistanceĀ from the Global Center:Ā Approximately 13 kilometers (about 35 minutes by car).
- Chengdu Contemporary Arts Center
It is a place to appreciate exhibitions, theater performances, and artistic events. The architecture itself is also a landmark.
DistanceĀ from the Global Center:Ā Approximately 26 kilometers (about 45 minutes by car).
You can know aboutĀ the history of the Three KingdomsĀ period at this tranquil temple.
DistanceĀ from the Global Center:Ā Approximately 13 kilometers (about 36 minutes by car).
- Chunxi Road
A pedestrian shopping center. It is filled with department stores, international brands, and endless dining options.
DistanceĀ from the Global Center:Ā Approximately 13 kilometers (about 36 minutes by car).
FAQs about Chengdu New Century Global Center
Is New Century Global Center the largest mall in the world?
It is more accurate to call it the “world’s largest building by floor area.”
What types of businesses and attractions are inside the Chengdu New Century Global Center?
- Retail such as high-street fashion and local stores.
- Entertainment like Paradise Island Water Park and a 15-screen IMAX cinema.
- Restaurants both local and international.
When was the Chengdu New Century Global Center completed and opened?
In November 2012, the Chengdu New Century Global Center was completed.
In September 2013, it opened.
What hotels are located within the Global Center?
- InterContinental Chengdu Global Center, a five-star hotel.
- JI Hotel.
- Orange Hotel.
How large is the indoor water park in the Global Center?
It is known as the Paradise Island Water Park. It covers 250,000 square meters and has an indoor wave pool of 8,500 square meters and a 300-meter beach coastline.
Discover Chengduās Must-see Gems with China Xian Tour
We are here to customize an ideal itinerary of Chengdu for you. Whether you want a cultural experience, natural views, culinary adventures, or futuristic thrills, we can always satisfy you. Feel free to contact China Xian Tourās expert travel consultant teamĀ to make your dreamy Chengdu tour come true.
