In the realm of grandeur and opulence, the world’s largest shopping malls are more than just retail spaces; they are architectural marvels that merge the retail industry with global consumer experiences. Beyond offering a vast array of products, these malls serve as entertainment hubs, blending leisure and luxury seamlessly. This article takes you through the top 10 largest malls globally, exploring their expansive spaces and how technology enhances the overall shopping experience.

World’s Largest Mall 2023

The New South China Mall in Dongguan, China, stands as the world’s largest mall, boasting a staggering 6.46 million sq ft of gross leasable area. Despite its grandeur, featuring replicas of international landmarks and even an indoor-outdoor roller coaster, the mall has struggled since its 2005 opening, with over 99% of its retail space vacant, earning the title of the largest ghost mall globally. Following closely as the world’s second-largest mall is the Golden Resources Mall in Beijing, China, spanning 6 million sq ft. Meanwhile, Bangkok’s CentralWorld, the world’s third-largest mall at 4.62 million sq ft, faced turmoil during anti-government protests but has since reopened after extensive repairs.

Significance of Biggest Malls in the World

The biggest malls in the world hold profound significance as economic powerhouses, global tourist attractions, and architectural marvels. Beyond being retail and entertainment hubs, they showcase cutting-edge technology, foster community gathering, and catalyze real estate development. Integrating cultural elements, these mega malls become iconic symbols, leaving a lasting impact on the local economy and global perception, attracting visitors from around the world.

Top-10 Largest Malls in the World

New South China Mall of China, with the total area of 6.46 million square feet, holds the title of the largest mall in the world, followed by Golden Resources Mall, Central World and SM Mall of Asia.

Here is the list of top-10 largest malls in the world:

Largest Mall in the World – New South China Mall

Location: Dongguan, China

Area: 6.46 million

Opened: 2005

Owner: Founder Group

New South China Mall in Dongguan, China, holds the title of the world’s largest mall based on gross leasable area. Despite its grandeur featuring replicas of international landmarks and attractions like an indoor-outdoor roller coaster, the mall has struggled with a severe lack of occupants since its 2005 opening. Over 99% of its retail space remains vacant, earning it the nickname of the largest ghost mall globally.

World’s Second Biggest Mall – Golden Resources Mall

Location: Beijing, China

Area: 6 million

Opened: 2004

The Golden Resources Mall in China, once the second-largest mall globally, surpassed only by the Mall of America, reigned from 2004 to 2005. Despite its colossal size, the mall faced challenges with sparse foot traffic, averaging as low as 20 shoppers per hour in 2004. Accessibility issues, coupled with unaffordable prices for ordinary Chinese consumers, and its location outside central Beijing, hindered its success.

World’s Third Largest Mall – Central World

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Area: 4.62 million

Opened: 1990

Owner: Crown Property Bureau

Opened in 1990, Bangkok’s CentralWorld, the world’s third-largest mall, positioned itself as a middle-class shopping center, differentiating from the upscale Siam Paragon. Unfortunately, anti-government protests in May set the mall ablaze, causing the Zen department store to collapse. After extensive repairs, CentralWorld reopened on September 28, with 80% of its retail space operational.