On September 25, SM Xiamen Complex — the first flagship SM Group, one of Southeast Asia's largest integrated property developers, has brought to China — marked its 25th anniversary by opening the non-standard commercial portion of its fourth phase, bringing to Xiamen its first "Neo Urban Block": CHAO BLOCK.
Freedom at CHAO: Where Space Opens Wide
Located at the intersection of Xingshan Road and Xianyue Road in Huli District, Xiamen, CHAO BLOCK forms the commercial component of SM International Center, the office development within SM Xiamen Complex, encompassing the podium and Levels 1–2 of the towers. It will open in two phases. The portion opening now spans over 19,400 square meters and represents an investment of CNY 174 million; the remaining 13,000-plus square meters are still under construction and due for completion in 2027.
The name "CHAO" is inspired by the idea of a theoreticalfourth state beyond water's conventional states of liquid, solid and gas, symbolizing openness, fluidity and collaborative commerce. Designed by DYML, CHAO BLOCK speaks to a younger generation, foregrounds SM's iconic blue identity, dissolves indoor-outdoor boundaries throughout, and shapes an "Urban Playground" that can be switched on at any moment — a place where life simply happens.
Coexist at CHAO: Where Life Moves Easy
CHAO BLOCK brings together brand founders, locally rooted creative entrepreneurs, and independent designers. Defined by its aesthetic-driven concept and day-and-night experience, itstenant mix spans food and beverage, home and lifestyle, fashion, sports and leisure, musicculture, pet offerings, etc.
First-to-market stores, concept stores, themed stores and new-format stores make up more than 70% of the lineup. Highlights include the world's first WM.HOME by WM Group, a 1,000-plus-sqm two-levellifestyle and aesthetics space. SyuanHuaShihJie, a distinctive apparel brand founded by the lead vocalist of rock band COM'Z, and INNOUT LAB, a basketball-culture brand, have both launched their first stores in China. CHAO BLOCK is also home to M Stand's first pet-themed store in South China; Fujian firsts such as AUKEE, GOST, The Nth Possibility and FAKEROOM; and Xiamen firsts including Li Shanshan Tea, FUGGLERand, GRKC.
CHAO BLOCK's dining breaks with conventional operating hours. Morning coffee flows seamlessly into late-night craft beer at long-hour social bars such as Wildrink lab and Morningside, alongside late-night eateries that stay open until 2 or 3 A.M., including AUKEE, the popular Jiangxi-cuisine favorite; MANHUO CHINESE BBQ, which pioneered skewers fusing Chinese barbecue and Japanese yakitori; the creative izakaya Drunk Uncle; and JIZHAN, a counter-style Sichuan skewer restaurant. From a full meal to a nightcap, the flavors sustain the street's lively rhythm of day and night.
Surprises at CHAO: Where Ideas Run Wild
CHAO BLOCK plans nearly 2,000 square meters of curatable space, connecting signature spots such as the central atrium, BIG BLUE, paw park and the north and south entrances. It can be shaped into community events, pop-ups and exhibitions, creative markets, themed workshops, seasonal installations and city happenings, so that everyone with a bright idea meets through one surprise after another, turning new encounters into familiar faces. From day one, CHAO BLOCK brings this spirit to life through "CHAO (shú) Bu Ding Shi" — a name that plays on CHAO ("super" & the venue), shú (to get acquainted) and a market that never stays the same — its through-line,kicking off with three back-to-back city events.
From September 25 to 27, "Have a Drink and We're Acquainted," Xiamen's first cocktail bazaar, joins over 40 acclaimed bars from Shanghai, Chengdu, Changsha, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Kunming and beyond, inviting local regulars and visiting newcomers to enjoy bobing (the traditional Mid-Autumn dice game), a live vinyl DJ set and a taste of Mid-Autumn cheer, all along one vibrant street.
From October 1 to 4, the "Achoo! Bread & Pet Festival" takes over the SM Xiamen Complex. The "Share a Bite and We're Acquainted" bread market sets up on the SM Xiamen Phase III outdoor square, gathering over 70 bakery brands — over 40% of them new to Xiamen, including several top national names. CHAO BLOCK, meanwhile, hosts the "Take a Walk and We're Acquainted" pet festival, with a paw-themed market, refreshment stations, a photo studio, sharing sessions and charity adoptions.
On October 17, "Train Together and We're Acquainted" brings SM's first Hybrid Fitness Challenge, teaming up with partners in sport, fragrance, race supplies and coverage, and hospitality for an urban sports event where fitness enthusiasts and the general public take part side by side.
"What makes CHAO BLOCK so remarkable is that it opens on the solid base of the close ties SM Xiamen has built with everyone here over 25 years," said StevenTan, SM Supermalls President. "Looking ahead, CHAO BLOCK will draw on the strengths of SM Xiamen Complex — more than 800 tenants, over400,000 square meters of commercial space and over 1.6 million members — to create, through always-renewing co-existence and companionship, a vibrant new ecosystem for city life."
