New South China Mall
Explore the world's largest 'ghost mall,' a colossal architectural marvel with themed city zones and entertainment, despite its low occupancy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activity and open stores
New South China Mall
Best Time
More activity and open stores
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the world's largest 'ghost mall,' a colossal architectural marvel with themed city zones and entertainment, despite its low occupancy.
"It's a place that is growing up with local bussinesses with very good quality. Still places closed, but is that big that you can spend the whole day going in and out many of the stores"
Embrace the 'Ghost Mall'
Don't expect a bustling shopping experience. Enjoy the unique, vast, and often empty spaces! :camerawithflash:
Focus on Entertainment
Karting, IMAX, and themed zones are the real draw. Plan to spend time here, not just shopping. :movie_camera:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Themed City Zones
Throughout the mall
Explore replicas of global cities, from Paris to the Caribbean. A unique architectural experience.
Indoor Karting Track
Entertainment area
Race your friends and family on an indoor go-karting circuit. Thrills await!
IMAX Cinema
Entertainment area
Catch the latest blockbusters on a massive screen for an immersive movie experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Ghost Mall Reality
Beyond the Retail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Embrace the 'Ghost Mall'
Don't expect a bustling shopping experience. Enjoy the unique, vast, and often empty spaces! :camerawithflash:
Focus on Entertainment
Karting, IMAX, and themed zones are the real draw. Plan to spend time here, not just shopping. :movie_camera:
Explore Nearby 'One Mall'
For better local shopping and food, head to 'One Mall' (Aeon) nearby. :shopping_cart:
Check Opening Hours
Some attractions or stores might have limited hours. Verify before you go. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Embrace the 'Ghost Mall'
Don't expect a bustling shopping experience. Enjoy the unique, vast, and often empty spaces! :camerawithflash:
Focus on Entertainment
Karting, IMAX, and themed zones are the real draw. Plan to spend time here, not just shopping. :movie_camera:
Explore Nearby 'One Mall'
For better local shopping and food, head to 'One Mall' (Aeon) nearby. :shopping_cart:
Check Opening Hours
Some attractions or stores might have limited hours. Verify before you go. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The New South China Mall is a colossal structure known more for its vast emptiness than its retail offerings. Visitors often come for the novelty of its 'ghost mall' status and its unique themed zones, entertainment like karting and IMAX, rather than traditional shopping. While some fast-food options are available, dining variety is limited, and many areas remain closed.
"It’s a mall whereyou can find some international foods such as pizzahut, or McDonald's, Starbucks...etc
Nothing special"
eay2373
"I always liked to check malls out whenever I travel. The good thing about this mall is that there’s very little of those high end stores where no one ever steps into to buy expensive luxury items. They’re mostly local stores where things are relatively inexpensive. The not so good thing is they’ve dedicated about 1/3 of the mall to ‘kids playground’. 10% of the stores here are closed as well. So there isn’t too much to check out IMO. The food here isn’t great. The only reason why I came over I because it’s supposedly the largest mall in China. I encourage you guys to head south east 4.3km away from here and hop over to “One Mall”, or just search Aeon, DongGuan and you should be able to find the cluster of more local stores with pretty good foods."
SpiritsBB
"It's a place that is growing up with local bussinesses with very good quality. Still places closed, but is that big that you can spend the whole day going in and out many of the stores; specially if you'ra a woman ;) And a few rides to entertain your kids are also there."
Queen Lion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New South China Mall is located in Dongguan, China. While there isn't a dedicated transit station directly at the mall, you can typically reach it via local buses or taxis from Dongguan city center. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing apps or private car services for convenience.
Yes, the New South China Mall offers ample parking facilities for visitors. However, since many areas are underoccupied, parking is generally not an issue.
From Shenzhen or Guangzhou, you can take a high-speed train to Dongguan Station and then a taxi or local bus to the mall. Alternatively, consider a direct bus service or ride-sharing if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to enter the New South China Mall itself. You only pay for specific attractions or purchases within the mall.
The mall's general operating hours are typically from morning to late evening, but specific store and attraction hours can vary. It's advisable to check their official channels or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.
For attractions like the IMAX cinema or karting track, it's often recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your spot and potentially avoid queues.
While not widely advertised, keep an eye out for potential promotions at individual stores or attractions. Sometimes local deal sites might offer discounts.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The mall features a mix of international fast-food chains and local businesses. However, a significant portion of the retail space remains vacant, so expect limited traditional shopping options.
You'll find popular international fast-food outlets like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks near the entrance. For more diverse local cuisine, consider visiting nearby malls like 'One Mall'.
Food quality is generally standard for fast-food chains. Reviews suggest that for better culinary experiences, exploring options outside the mall is recommended.
No, the New South China Mall is not known for luxury brands. It primarily caters to local businesses and international fast-food chains, with much of its space unoccupied.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The mall boasts themed zones replicating global cities, an indoor karting track, and an IMAX cinema. These entertainment options are the main attractions.
Yes, there are dedicated kids' play areas and entertainment options like karting that can entertain children. However, the vast empty spaces might be less engaging for very young children.
The mall is divided into zones inspired by international cities, featuring architectural replicas like the Arc de Triomphe and canals with gondolas, offering a unique visual experience.
Despite its size, the mall is famously underoccupied, leading to a lack of crowds in most areas. You'll find more people near the open food outlets and entertainment zones.
The nickname 'ghost mall' stems from its status as one of the world's largest malls by leasable area, yet it suffers from extremely low occupancy rates, with over 99% of stores reportedly vacant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations, as the mall is not a vibrant hub of activity. However, for a unique experience of exploring a massive, underutilized space with a few entertainment options, it can be an interesting outing. Consider combining a visit with a trip to a more active nearby mall for a fuller family experience.
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
Visitors can explore the different city-themed sections, from Parisian-inspired streets to Caribbean-style canals, finding interesting angles and compositions. The contrast between the ambitious design and the lack of people can be a compelling subject. Remember to be respectful of the space and any operational areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Ghost Mall' Phenomenon
Despite the emptiness, the mall's ambitious design remains intact. It features seven distinct themed zones, each modeled after international cities, complete with architectural replicas and decorative elements. This unique concept, rather than traditional retail, is what draws a niche group of visitors interested in its scale and unusual atmosphere.
For travelers, understanding this context is key to managing expectations. Instead of a bustling shopping spree, a visit to the New South China Mall is more of an exploration of a colossal, underutilized architectural project. The focus shifts from consumerism to experiencing the sheer scale and the peculiar ambiance of a nearly deserted mega-mall.
Entertainment Beyond Shopping
Complementing the karting is an IMAX cinema, providing a more relaxed entertainment option. Catching a movie here offers a chance to experience one of the mall's functional facilities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit