Empark Grand Shopping Centre in Kunming

Empark Grand Shopping Centre (世纪金源购物中心) is one of Kunming’s largest and most influential retail destinations. Located in the Guandu District (官渡区), it stands as a key landmark that combines shopping, entertainment, dining, and leisure. This one-stop commercial complex is an essential part of Kunming’s retail and social life. Empark Grand Shopping Centre is one of the largest and most profitable commercial complexes in Kunming, with a retail space of 535,000 square meters. Although located away from the city center, it has achieved an impressive annual sales figure of 3.5 billion CNY. With over 200 brands, including big names like Carrefour, Uniqlo, and others, the shopping center has redefined the commercial landscape of the southern part of Kunming.

1. The Most Profitable Mall in Kunming

What makes Empark Grand Shopping Centre stand out among Kunming’s other shopping malls? Despite not being located in the city’s central business district, this mall boasts some of the highest annual sales in Kunming, eclipsing other large shopping centers like Wanda Plaza and Longfor Plaza.

1.1 Empark Grand’s Market Position

Typically, malls in central business districts or major streets like Renmin Road, Beijing Road, and Dongfeng Road dominate the commercial market due to their location and popularity. However, Empark Grand stands out as the top earner, surprising many by not being located in the bustling urban core but in Guandu District.

1.2 Commercial Area and Competitive Edge

Empark Grand Shopping Centre is located at the intersection of Caiyun North Road and Jinyuan Avenue, approximately 6.3 km from Kunming Station and 7.8 km from Nanping Street. Despite being further from the city center, the mall’s enormous commercial space, combined with its strategic location near major transportation routes, has proven to be a winning formula.

Since its opening in 2009, Empark Grand has become the commercial leader in Kunming’s southern district. By 2019, its sales had reached a stunning 3.5 billion CNY, marking it as a powerhouse in the region, even surpassing sales figures from larger cities like Guiyang.

1.3 Location and Diversity

The mall’s success can be attributed to its strategic location in the heart of the southern urban area, positioned between Kunming’s main urban district and Chenggong New District (a rapidly developing business hub). The location is further bolstered by its proximity to Caiyun North Road, a busy traffic artery that enhances the convenience for customers.

Empark Grand offers a wide variety of commercial spaces including department stores, supermarkets, jewelry, home goods, restaurants, and more. The mall features major international brands such as Carrefour, Uniqlo, and Starbucks, offering shoppers a diverse and attractive selection of products.

2. Visitor Information and Parking

Parking:

Surface Parking: 400 spaces available, with a fee of 4 CNY per hour for the first hour, and 2 CNY per additional hour.

Underground Parking: Just 170 meters away, with easy walking access.

Public Transport:

Metro: Line 1, with nearby stations Erji Road and Xiaodongcun Station.

Bus: Several bus routes serve the mall, including stops at Jinyuan Shopping Centre Station (Routes 161, 169, 173, 174) and Shiji Cheng Chechang Station (Routes 161, 169, 173).

3. Strategic Advantage and Future Prospects

With its vast retail space and prime location, Empark Grand has solidified its place as a retail leader in Kunming and the Southwest region. The mall’s diverse offerings make it a one-stop shopping destination, and it continues to attract both local and international brands, keeping it at the forefront of Kunming’s retail sector.

The continued growth of the Chenggong New District ensures the mall will maintain its strategic advantage, and its size and location provide a foundation for sustained profitability and market dominance. Empark Grand has not only established itself as a retail hub but also as an essential part of Kunming’s urban fabric, influencing the local economy and shaping the region’s commercial future.

Basic Overview

Location: Positioned in the heart of Guandu District, Empark Grand Shopping Centre is centrally situated between Kunming’s main urban areas and the Chenggong New District (呈贡新区), which is rapidly developing as a business and administrative hub. The location is easily accessible from multiple transport links.

Total Area: The shopping centre spans an impressive 535,000 square meters, making it one of the largest retail complexes in Yunnan Province.

Opening Year: 2009, making it one of the pioneers of large-scale shopping malls in Kunming.

Key Features

Comprehensive Retail Experience:

Empark Grand offers a diverse range of retail formats that cater to different shopping needs, including fashion, electronics, home goods, and luxury products. The mall is home to top international brands like Uniqlo, Zara, Nike, Adidas, and Apple.

Dining and Food Court:

The mall boasts a large food court and My Food Mall (美食城), which features a variety of local and international cuisines. Shoppers can enjoy popular dining options like Haidilao (hotpot), Starbucks, KFC, and numerous fast-casual and sit-down restaurants.

The food offerings ensure that customers can enjoy quick bites or full meals after a day of shopping.

Entertainment and Leisure:

The centre includes a cinema, arcades, fitness centers, and event spaces for entertainment and family-friendly activities.

It frequently hosts cultural and entertainment events, including art exhibitions, music performances, and fashion shows, enhancing the shopping experience.

Parking and Accessibility:

Empark Grand is equipped with an extensive underground parking lot with over 4,000 parking spaces, catering to the high volume of visitors. The mall also has easy access to metro lines, bus stations, and other forms of public transport, ensuring convenient access for visitors.

Market Performance and Visitor Statistics

Foot Traffic: The shopping centre consistently attracts 50,000 to 70,000 visitors daily, with higher traffic during weekends and holiday seasons. The complex sees a significant number of vehicles, with an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million car visits annually.

Annual Revenue: Empark Grand generates approximately 2 billion CNY in annual sales, which reflects its continued prominence in Kunming’s retail sector.

Brand Portfolio: Some of the top brands and retailers include Uniqlo, GAP, Nike, Apple, and Carrefour, alongside numerous high-end restaurants, entertainment outlets, and local retailers.

Architectural Design and Facilities

Architectural Features: The mall features a 32-meter-high glass dome which adds to its striking and modern aesthetic. This feature allows natural light to illuminate the space, providing an airy, open atmosphere.

Underground Parking: The centre includes a vast underground parking lot capable of holding over 4,000 cars, making it convenient for shoppers who drive.

Other Facilities: In addition to its shopping, dining, and entertainment areas, the centre is equipped with rest areas, play zones for children, and convenient walkways.

Recognition and Awards

Empark Grand has received several prestigious awards, including the “Gold Commercial Award” and “Top Landmark Mall” in Kunming. It is also recognized for its contributions to job creation and its role as an economic driver in the region.

The mall has become a hub for commercial and social activity, often attracting large crowds for seasonal events and sales, as well as its cultural and entertainment programming.

Impact on the Local Community

Empark Grand provides thousands of job opportunities across retail, hospitality, and service sectors, making it a significant contributor to local employment.

The mall’s central location and variety of offerings have helped revitalize the area, turning it into a dynamic commercial district. It also serves as a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists, enhancing Kunming’s standing as a vibrant regional economic center.

Future Development

Empark Grand Shopping Centre plans to continue expanding its offerings, potentially including more international brands, event spaces, and family-friendly attractions.

With the development of Chenggong New District and improvements in transportation infrastructure, the mall is well-positioned for sustained growth and further solidification as a leading shopping and leisure destination in Kunming.

Empark Grand Shopping Centre remains a top destination for both residents and visitors in Kunming, offering a comprehensive shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. Its prime location, impressive architecture, and diverse retail offerings make it one of the most important commercial landmarks in the city. With its focus on creating a vibrant community space, Empark Grand continues to shape the future of Kunming’s retail landscape.

Parking Information

For those driving to Empark Grand Shopping Centre, there are ample parking spaces available at both above-ground and underground parking lots.

Above-ground Parking

• Parking Fee: 4 CNY per hour for the first hour, 2 CNY per hour thereafter.

• Total Parking Spaces: 400 spaces available.

• Convenience: Ample parking spots, ensuring easy access for shoppers.

Underground Parking

• Location: Located approximately 170 meters from the shopping center, about 2 minutes walking distance.

Public Transportation

Empark Grand is easily accessible via public transport, with both metro and bus stations nearby.

Metro:

• Line 1, Erji Road Station (珥季路站)

• Line 1, Xiaodongcun Station (晓东村站)

Bus Stops:

• Jinyuan Shopping Centre Station (金源购物中心站):
  Routes 161, 169, 173, 174.
  Approx. 134 meters from the mall.

• Shiji Cheng Chechang Station (世纪城车场站):
  Routes 161, 169, 173.
  Approx. 368 meters from the mall.

With convenient parking options and easily accessible public transportation, visiting Empark Grand Shopping Centre is a hassle-free experience for shoppers and visitors.