Shanghai landmark commercial complex receives this recognition for its outstanding architectural environment and industry leadership
ShanghaiMay 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The HKRI Taikoo Hui mixed-use development project has been awarded the “2026 Asia Pacific Excellence Award” by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The award was officially presented at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit held in Shanghai on May 26.
Award ceremony at the ULI Asia Pacific Summit in Shanghai
Established in 1979, the ULI Excellence Award has long been regarded as a benchmark award in the global real estate industry and one of the most prestigious honors in the field. This award fully recognizes the comprehensive strength of HKRI Taikoo Hui across multiple dimensions, including design planning, development and construction, operations management, business integration, green sustainable development, and long-term value creation.
The judging committee highly praised the project, stating that it “deeply integrates local culture with the urban fabric, while creating outstanding market value and exerting a positive radiating influence on the development of surrounding areas.” This honor fully demonstrates that, as a large-scale urban complex, HKRI Taikoo Hui has deeply engaged in urban community building, effectively empowered the transformation of the district’s landscape, and balanced commercial benefits, social value, spatial adaptability, and long-term sustainable development, making it an exemplary model for global urban development and construction.
Calvin See, Joint General Manager of HKRI Taikoo Hui, said: “Winning the ULI Asia Pacific Excellence Award is the industry’s high recognition of HKRI Taikoo Hui’s long-term sustainable development, operational innovation, and community building. As the Nanjing West Road commercial district continues to upgrade and evolve, we will continue to innovate and develop, and strengthen collaboration and synergy with surrounding landmark projects, especially Zhangyuan, to create more diverse and high-quality experiences for the urban public, and continuously generate long-term value for the city and community.”
Connie Ting, Joint General Manager of HKRI Taikoo Hui, said: “HKRI Taikoo Hui has always adhered to a people-centric philosophy, placing the needs of consumers, tenants, and the community at the core of space design and daily operations. Looking ahead, we look forward to deepening collaboration with partners across various sectors, continuing to empower Shanghai’s urban development, and creating a profound and positive impact.”
Since its opening in 2017, HKRI Taikoo Hui has continuously built a differentiated and diverse retail matrix, bringing together numerous national flagship stores, concept stores, and flagship locations, gradually forming a highly recognizable commercial ecosystem and solidifying its position as a premier lifestyle destination in Shanghai. The recently unveiled Louis Vuitton new concept landmark “The Louis” adds a unique consumer experience scene to the city, along with the renowned Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai, both powerfully affirming the project’s commitment to creating a distinctive lifestyle destination. In the first quarter of 2026, the project’s retail sales grew by over 80% year-on-year, and foot traffic doubled compared to the same period last year.
Beyond the retail sector, the project’s two Grade A office buildings house numerous Fortune 500 companies and leading enterprises. In 2025, “TERRA,” an innovative third space offering integrated services including office, meeting, dining, and relaxation, was officially launched, marking another significant milestone. This helps the project lead the way in high-quality future office scenarios and set a new standard for integrated office experiences.
In recent years, HKRI Taikoo Hui has continuously refined its urban public spaces, actively fostering a diverse and inclusive vibrant community. Since 2022, the project has optimized the pedestrian flow from the North Plaza to Shimen No.1 Road and parts of Weihai Road, enhancing the urban interface. Simultaneously, the project hosts year-round public art events, major international exhibitions, and innovative cultural experiences, successively introducing works by internationally renowned artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Florentijn Hofman, as well as debuting immersive digital experience projects like “The Vanished Pharaoh,” infusing the public spaces with rich artistic vitality.
Sustainable development remains a core underlying principle for HKRI Taikoo Hui, integrated throughout the entire lifecycle of planning, construction, and operations. The project has achieved significant results in energy conservation and emission reduction, earning LEED Platinum certification, WELL Health-Safety Rating Platinum certification, and in 2025, it was also awarded a GRESB 5-Star rating, further affirming its green building capabilities.
HKRI Taikoo Hui