Swire Properties today announced the official topping out of the first phase of Taikoo Li Xi’an, marking a major milestone for the landmark retail development in one of China’s most historic cities. Full structural topping‑out is expected in early 2027, followed by phased completion, handover and opening late next year. This project will support Xi’an’s urban renewal am-bitions while creating a culturally rooted retail and hospitality destination for residents and tourists.
Taikoo Li Xi’an is being developed in partnership with Xi’an Cheng Huan Cultural Investment and Development Co., Ltd. (“Xi’an Cheng Huan Cultural”), a state-owned subsidiary of Xi’an Qujiang New District Management Committee. It adopts the signature low-rise, open-plan layout of Taikoo Li malls and will be home to nearly 500 retail brands, as well as the Upper House branded hotel and serviced apartments.
Adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a location that has profound historical and cultural significance to Xi’an, Taikoo Li Xi’an will be the largest Taikoo Li project in the Chinese Mainland with a gross floor area (GFA) of 269,056 sqm.
“The topping out of the first phase marks a defining milestone for Taikoo Li Xi’an and for our long-term commitment to Xi’an. We are honoured to have an opportunity to create this iconic landmark in one of China’s most historic cities, and excited to bring our expertise and experience in placemaking to a project of such heritage significance. By thoughtfully integrating local cultural elements with our signature approach, we aim to create a place that is deeply rooted in Xi’an while contributing to its continued growth and vitality. As an important part of the company’s HKD 50 billion investment plan in the Chinese Mainland, Taikoo Li Xi’an demonstrates Swire Properties’ confidence in Xi’an’s future as a national central city and a key gateway under the Belt and Road Initiative,”
said Tim Blackburn, Chief Executive of Swire Properties.
Xi’an Beilin District representatives added,
“The structural topping out of the phase one of Taikoo Li Xi’an represents an important step forward in Beilin District’s urban renewal and cultural preservation agenda. This project is an exemplary model of how large-scale commercial development can successfully integrate within a historically sensitive area. Moving forward, Beilin District will continue to foster a favourable environment and provide policy support to ensure this landmark project progresses smoothly towards completion.”
On behalf of Xi’an Qujiang New District,
“We share a philosophy that aligns with Swire Properties’ vision to deliver transformative projects deeply rooted in local history and culture. Taikoo Li Xi’an is a flagship project within our district, and we look forward to building on this partnership to drive wider regional upgrading. Our priority is to continue supporting the project towards completion and ensuring this destination infuses vitality into the local market and delivers lasting value for Xi’an.”
Taikoo Li Xi’an draws inspiration from traditional Tang-dynasty architectural styles to integrate sensitively with the city’s historical urban fabric. Through carefully considered design, building heights and sightlines, the development’s design provides key visual focal points towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Jianfu Temple, a renowned royal temple from the Tang Dynasty. The development frames these time-honoured cultural relics to create a harmonious visual dialogue.
In close collaboration with local authorities, the project is carefully preserving three ancient streets, 7th Heritage Avenue, 8th Heritage Avenue, and Yizi Heritage Avenue, and integrating them into the contemporary layout through adaptive reuse.
In line with Swire Properties’ Sustainable Development 2050 roadmap, Taikoo Li Xi’an will set a new benchmark for industry-leading excellence in sustainability. This includes the adoption of a smart energy management system with nearly 50 green and intelligent technologies, such as green electricity for construction and ground-source heat pump systems, to promote decarbonises in response to climate change.
The project has received industry leading green building pre-certifications, including LEED Platinum for building design & construction, SITES Platinum for landscape, and WELL for healthy buildings. The development has also been recognised as a National Advanced Low-Carbon Technology Demonstration Project by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
