Shanghai River Mall at the former World Expo site

The Shanghai River Mall is located in the former 2010 World Expo site on the banks of the Huangpu River across the road from the China Art Museum, formerly the China Pavilion. The building is a good kilometre long and topped by its huge membrane roof pierced by six trumpet-shaped steel and glass structures that funnel direct sunlight through all levels of the sun atria down to the basement.

There are four levels in the mall, each divided into five thematic zones, and a top tier under the roof canopy, providing a staggering 330,000 square metres of shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment experience, making it the largest mall in Shanghai. To facilitate visitor movement, there is a tram service from end to end on the top level. Here too are reflective pools, a plant maze, evening light shows and other attractions.

The River Mall is accessible via the China Art Museum metro station and is the perfect base from which to explore the many repurposed pavilions of the former expo which include the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the China Art Museum, and the Exhibition & Convention Centre where trade and industrial events are held, in particular, the glitzy Shanghai Auto Show. 

The distinctive membrane roof with trumpet-shaped sun atria of the River Mall covers the entire length of the building of about one kilometre. 

The entrance from the metro station side features a leafy green facade in keeping with the eco theme of the mall.

Ceiling motif of the lobby connecting to the metro station suggests woven bamboo, another eco touch.

Sharks, stingrays, starfish, shells and other sea creatures lend a marine feel in this atrium.

Based on the flow concept of the mall layout, there are kilometres of footwork to cover for the intrepid shopper.

Life size Iron Man figure grabs your attention outside a toy outlet.

Take a breather on the bench amidst playful clown fish in this sun atrium.

Pitstop at this dessert shop to restore your flagging energy level, or check into the many cafes and restaurants for more substantial options.

Rendezvous with this charming lady and take a souvenir selfie with her.

Palm trees and water features grace this atrium.

Colourful toucans highlight the tropical theme in this zone.

Towering steel and glass structure funnels sunlight down the sun atrium.

The China Art Museum housed in the imposing inverted pyramid across the road is an attraction not to be missed.

A Parisian display is one of several attractions on the top deck.

This orca whale is a sure hit with kids.

The immense membrane roof that stretches from one end of the mall to the other is just awesome.

Massive stairs and escalators cascade down to the basement floor on the far side of this sun atrium.