Xiamen's westward commercial drive gained powerful momentum on October 24, 2025 with SM Group, one of Southeast Asia's leading commercial property conglomerate, unveiling its 98th shopping destination in the globe — SM City Xiamen Haicang (aka. SM Haicang) — serving as a commercial catalyst for the thriving Golden Bay area.
The launch propels Xiamen's "Cross-Island Development" strategy, with SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy, SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan joined by key guests and tenant partners to open the door, signaling the property giant's deepening regional roots.
Sharing honors in the balloon popping ceremony were (L-R): SAVP for SM China-Operations Kaye Natalie Lim, SM Supermalls AVP for Marketing Hanna Carinna T. Sy, SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, Yanyu Group Chairman Fu YiSheng, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans T. Sy, Xtep Group Founder & CEO Ding Shuibo, SM Markets Chairman Herbert T. Sy, SJHX Market Chairman Xiong Huan, SM Prime SVP for China Projects Diana R. Dionisio, General Manager of SM China Johnson Co.
Another New Urban Canvas: Sparkling Youthful Living
Strategically anchored at the western gateway to Maluan Bay New Town – a designated priority zone in Xiamen's development blueprint – SM Haicang serves adjacent residential communities, campuses, healthcare facilities, and innovation clusters. The mall is flanked by over 80 bus stops with routes spanning citywide, while the forthcoming Metro Line 6 (2026) will provide direct access to Zhangzhou's Jiaomei Town, amplifying catchment reach.
An Aerial View of SM City Xiamen Haicang
With a total investment exceeding CNY 1 billion, the complex features four above-ground levels and two basement levels encompassing about 140,000 sqm of gross floor area and about 50,000 sqm of leasable space. Its 40,000+ sqm underground carpark accommodates 1,000 vehicles and 400 electronic bicycles.
Building upon SM's 24-year legacy of success on Xiamen Island, SM Haicang targets the vibrant local community: modern families, industrial youth, and students. As SM's first large-scale venture beyond the Island core, it addresses growing demand for integrated lifestyle destinations. Embracing the vision "Haicang Wán Jù Chǎng," the mall cultivates a vibrant nexus for connection, discovery, and communal experiences.
Curated Market Firsts: Connect, Discovery and Share Fun
SM Haicang debuts over 90 market-first concepts within its 200+ brand portfolio, spanning gourmet market, retail, leisure, fitness, dining and lifestyle services. This curated tenant mix addresses key gaps in the western Xiamen market.
Shoppers surging through SJHX Market
Trend Magnet: Discover Fujian's first MINISO Select Flagship store, Xiamen's first Adidas Mega Plus, and outer-Island debuts like DJI, alongside market-favored brands like MLB, New Balance, VANS, TOPTOY and KKV, pulling the new generations west.
Lifestyle Lounge: This is a "third space" beyond work and home, focused on new experiences, shared passions, and handy services. The mall introduces Xiamen's first Hengdian Cinema, featuring Haicang's first IMAX hall alongside dedicated couples' and children's halls. Complementary lifestyle providers like INSOUL bookstore (outer-Island debut) and experiential newcomers Mei KTV and WANYOO E-sports foster community engagement.
INSOUL bookstore (outer-Island debut)
Gourmet Hub: A feast for all. Enjoy classic & global flavors at 80+ spots like Naago (Xiamen's first), YinZhenZhu (Xiamen's first), Bai Yu, Song, Baheli, and the Domino's. Grab popular drinks & bites at Ye Gelato, Makkee, Potato Corner, HeyTea, Manner, and Starbucks. Perfect for solo meals or big gatherings.
Guests savoring signature dishes and buzzing convivial energy
Opening Fest: Energy & Joy in Full Swing
SM Haicang launched with artist Shan Xiaoming's vibrant "ENERTEN EVERYWHERE" art activation, featuring interactive installations "Joy Pours", "Fortune Straw", and "Kaleidoscope" — transforming the mall into a dynamic canvas celebrating unrestrained positivity.
Iridescent hanging installation "Joy Pours" at atrium
Opening day witnessed Chongqing LightScape Theatre – veterans of the Festival d'Avignon (France) and Edinburgh International Festival (UK) – presenting its Fujian premiere of "Touch Fish". This production innovates tactile therapy through interactive props, guiding mall goers toward emotional catharsis; Followed by five bands delivering music performances, alongside Livehouse sessions replicating intimate energy with rock acts.
Audience immersion in touch-therapy props of "Touch Fish"
The three-day celebration unfolded with million-follower dance battles, Laifeng Comedy's open-mic sessions, and Mayday fan concerts, punctuated by daily festivities like "Lucky Eggs" giveaways, bazaar, and prize draws for gold bars, Moutai, and smart appliances.
Momentum continues through November with Halloween parties, Hip Hop International (HHI) Dance Championships, themed beer festivals, interactive groceries auction and bargain experiences joined by tenants – each collision of energy amplifying the new heartbeat.
Timeless Bonds: Warmth across Generations
"Retail is detail" – this guiding principle manifests through SM Haicang's commitment to "Putting People First."
Every service innovation reflects intergenerational care, beginning with SM Cares' Little Free Library fostering parent-child literacy moments alongside meticulously curated amenities: barrier-free parking, EV charging bays, nursing rooms, drinking water stations, luggage lockers, medical kits, feminine care access, and baby stroller/pet stroller rentals.
Families reading at SM Little Free Library
Membership becomes a conduit for this philosophy, granting complimentary parking through 2025 enhanced by 10 welcome privileges and 15 opening offers – delivering millions of yuan in subsidies. Crucially, integrated membership with SM Xiamen's loyalty ecosystem activates synergies across 1,000+ brands and third parties, enabling perpetual engagements from voucher redemptions to point-based sales and workshops.
Delivering tailored concierge assistance to SM members
Accessibility innovations reflect this detail-oriented ethos, with an exclusive cross-island shuttle bridging both SM Malls daily for 3 months, complemented by two Metro-Mall routes during Metro Line 6's launch.
Pet companionship finds its haven through thoughtfully designed brands and spaces featuring pet-friendliness include CHAGEE, Ye Gelato, and KKV's pawsitive zone, ChinamiDolls' kitty social oasis, supported by amenities: Xiamen's first indoor pet restroom, paw-accessible elevator and outdoor West Park.
Xiamen's first indoor pet restroom
Beyond these provisions, greater discoveries await. SM Haicang will now accelerate Xiamen's commercial evolution through twin-engine synergy with SM Xiamen Complex on the Island – advancing modern lifestyle while deepening bonds across generations, one intentional detail at a time.
SM's Cross-Island Twin Engine in Xiamen