Who’s the Swishest of Them All? Shin Kong Place Turns 5

Happy Birthday, Shin Kong Place! This high-end department store first opened in April 2007, in a shopping climate worlds apart from the one we know now. Sanlitun Village didn’t exist yet (that happened in July 2008), nor did the "modern" Nanluogu Xiang (also around July 2008) or Qianmen’s renovated pedestrian street (August 2008). Some might say that Shin Kong Place spearheaded the growth of Beijing’s luxury shopping scene. Indeed, this swish mall has managed to attract over 900 international brands and restaurants to its premises, and will be hosting special promotions and exhibitions over this next month in celebration of its five-year anniversary. Read on for details.

If you haven’t been before, there is much incentive for visiting this 18,000-square-meter space. Not only is Shin Kong Place home to the largest Gucci flagship store in Asia, but it has also served as the first China mainland destination for many established fashion houses including DVF, Tory Burch and Vivienne Westwood. And let’s not forget about their food selection, which ranges from Din Tai Fung to Burger King. (Beat that, Sanlitun Village.)

Starting today until May 17, there will also be a handful of exhibitions on display. BaselWorld, an international watch and jewelry trade show, will be taking place in China for the first time, showcasing the latest collections by Blancpain, TAG Heuer and OMEGA. Japanese pearl brand Mikimoto is presenting a very rare pearl, gold and diamond necklace in a separate event. Meanwhile, labels like Michael Kors, Lana Marks and Patrizia Pepe will be making their official Shin Kong Place debuts. For those with cars, parking will also be free throughout the month.

Photo: Courtesy of flickr user GreenArcher04