SM Prime Expands Its First Mall in China with Innovative CHAO Block in Xiamen

XIAMEN, China – More than two decades after opening its first shopping mall outside the Philippines, SM Prime Holdings is ushering in a new chapter for its landmark property in China. The company has announced a major expansion of SM Xiamen City, introducing an innovative retail and lifestyle concept designed to redefine how people shop, dine, create, and connect.

For Filipino travelers visiting Xiamen, the expansion offers another compelling reason to include the mall in their itinerary. Already one of the city’s leading shopping and lifestyle destinations, SM Xiamen City is evolving into a vibrant community hub that blends retail, culture, entertainment, and local entrepreneurship.

A Fresh Retail Experience with CHAO Block

At the heart of the expansion is the 19,403-square-meter CHAO Block, envisioned as a “neo-urban block” that goes beyond the traditional shopping mall experience.

Rather than focusing solely on retail stores, CHAO Block aims to create an interactive destination where businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors can engage through experiences. The new development will feature an eclectic mix of independent brands, local entrepreneurs, cultural curators, creative concepts, and first-to-market experiences unique to Xiamen.

Instead of simply operating shops, tenants will also be encouraged to organize workshops, product launches, art exhibitions, pop-up events, community gatherings, and brand collaborations. The goal is to transform shopping into a more immersive and socially engaging experience, reflecting the growing demand for experiential retail among today’s consumers.

What Does “CHAO” Mean?

The name CHAO represents a bold vision for the future of commerce.

Inspired by the concept of a “fourth state” beyond water’s traditional forms—solid, liquid, and gas—CHAO symbolizes limitless creativity, openness, adaptability, and continuous transformation. It reflects SM Prime’s belief that the future of retail lies in collaboration, innovation, and experiences that constantly evolve with the community.

This philosophy aligns with global trends where shopping centers are increasingly becoming lifestyle destinations that combine retail, dining, entertainment, wellness, and creative spaces under one roof.

Opening Timeline

Construction of the new district will be completed in phases.

The first phase of CHAO Block is scheduled to welcome visitors in September 2026, while the second phase is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2027.

Once fully operational, the expansion is expected to further strengthen SM Xiamen City’s position as one of southeastern China’s premier shopping and lifestyle destinations.

A Milestone Property for SM Prime

SM Xiamen City holds a special place in SM Prime’s history as the company’s very first investment outside the Philippines.

Since opening in 2001, the mall has continuously reinvented itself to meet the changing preferences of Xiamen residents and visitors.

Originally established as a one-stop shopping destination for mainstream consumers, the property has undergone several major expansions over the years.

In 2009, SM Prime added more than 109,900 square meters of gross floor area, repositioning the mall as an upscale lifestyle shopping center.

The transformation continued in 2022 with another expansion of approximately 129,200 square meters, introducing new social spaces, updated interiors, and a refreshed tenant mix designed to attract younger shoppers seeking more experiential destinations.

These continuous investments demonstrate SM Prime’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market and its confidence in Xiamen’s growing economy.

A Shopping Destination Worth Visiting

Today, SM Xiamen City has become one of Xiamen’s leading retail, dining, and entertainment destinations, housing more than 500 stores.

Visitors can shop from internationally recognized brands including Apple Store, Sephora, Maison Le Fame, and Lululemon, while also enjoying a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, specialty retailers, and a Walmart supermarket.

For travelers, the mall offers more than shopping. It serves as a convenient place to sample local and international cuisine, enjoy family-friendly attractions, relax in cafés, and experience modern Chinese urban culture in one destination.

With the arrival of CHAO Block, visitors can also look forward to discovering unique local brands, creative markets, cultural exhibitions, and events that showcase Xiamen’s thriving entrepreneurial and artistic community.

Looking Ahead

According to SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Xiamen City has been an important platform for the company’s learning, growth, and expansion in China since its opening.

As Xiamen continues to grow as a major commercial and tourism hub, SM Prime plans to further strengthen both the property and its partnerships with local entrepreneurs, ensuring that the mall remains an integral part of the city’s retail landscape for years to come.

The introduction of CHAO Block marks another significant milestone—not only for SM Prime’s international expansion but also for the evolution of experiential retail in China.

Why Travelers Should Visit SM Xiamen City

Whether you’re exploring Xiamen for its coastal scenery, historic sites, or vibrant food scene, SM Xiamen City deserves a spot on your itinerary. The mall combines international shopping, diverse dining options, modern entertainment, and local creative experiences in one convenient destination. With the upcoming CHAO Block, visitors can expect an even more dynamic atmosphere where shopping meets culture, innovation, and community—making it one of Xiamen’s most exciting lifestyle destinations for both locals and international travelers.