Buildings on Nanjing West Road in Shanghai China on a cloudy day

Plaza 66

Plaza 66 Shanghai: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Plaza 66 Shanghai is a landmark at the heart of Jing’an District, representing the city’s dynamic intersection of luxury, modern architecture, and cultural vibrancy. Conceived in the 1990s by Hang Lung Properties and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), Plaza 66 set a new standard for mixed-use developments in China. With its soaring office towers and world-class luxury retail mall, this destination has become synonymous with Shanghai’s ascent as a global metropolis. This comprehensive guide details Plaza 66’s history, architectural features, visitor information, and cultural highlights to ensure a memorable visit (Wikipedia; KPF).

Fountain at Nanjing West Road in Shanghai with city buildings and traffic in the background

Buildings at Nanjing West Road in Shanghai with modern architecture and blue sky

Buildings at Nanjing West Road in Shanghai China

History and Vision
Architectural Design and Engineering
Construction Timeline and Milestones
Structural and Technical Innovations
Commercial and Cultural Significance
Visiting Hours and Tickets
How to Get There
Accessibility and Visitor Tips
Guided Tours and Special Events
Nearby Attractions
Awards and Recognition
Legacy and Urban Impact
Visitor FAQs
Travel Tips and Recommendations
References

History and Vision

Plaza 66 (上海恒隆广场) was envisioned during Shanghai’s economic boom of the 1990s to redefine luxury retail and office space on Nanjing Road West, the city’s most prestigious commercial artery. Developed by Hang Lung Properties, the project aimed to create an architectural icon and a hub for international business and luxury shopping. The name “Plaza 66” references the 66 floors of its primary tower, symbolizing ambition and modernity (Wikipedia).

Architectural Design and Engineering

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), working with Frank CY Feng Architects & Associates and structural engineers Thornton Tomasetti, delivered a modernist architectural masterpiece. Plaza 66’s two towers—Tower 1 (288 m, 66 stories) and Tower 2 (228 m, 48 stories)—are unified by a five-story luxury retail podium. The design overcame Shanghai’s challenging soil conditions through advanced engineering, including an outriggered frame system and deep foundations (METU Case Study; Thornton Tomasetti).

Key features include:

Glass Atrium Roof: Floods the retail podium with natural light, creating an open, airy environment and an illuminated nighttime beacon (That’s Mags).
Verticality: The towers’ sleek glass and metal facades reflect the cityscape, integrating Plaza 66 into Shanghai’s evolving skyline (VirtualGlobetrotting).

Construction Timeline and Milestones

Phase 1 (1994–2001): Tower 1 and the retail podium were constructed, with completion in August 2001. Tower 1 became the tallest concrete building in Shanghai at the time (Wikipedia).
Phase 2 (2001–2006): Tower 2 was added, enhancing Plaza 66’s prominence.
Pavilion Extension (2026): The upcoming Pavilion Extension will add 3,080 square meters of retail space, increasing the mall’s leasable area by 13%, with completion expected in late 2026 (BrandSpurNg).

Structural and Technical Innovations

Outriggered Frame System: Enhances lateral stability for slender tower design (CTBUH Paper).
High-Strength Concrete: Enabled unprecedented building heights in Shanghai.
Deep Foundation and Parking: A three-level below-grade parking structure stabilizes both towers.

Commercial and Cultural Significance

Plaza 66 is Shanghai’s “Home to Luxury,” hosting flagship stores for Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Chanel, Cartier, Dior, and more, with a five-level mall spanning over 50,000 square meters (WWD). The complex also contributes to Shanghai’s nightlife and cultural scene by hosting major art installations, pop-ups, and high-profile events such as Takashi Murakami’s “Ohana Hatake” immersive garden (The Bruneian).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Shopping Mall: Open daily, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Office Towers: Restricted to tenants and business visitors, typically weekdays 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fees: No entry fee for retail or public areas; special exhibitions may require tickets (Hang Lung Properties).

How to Get There

Metro: Line 2 or Line 12 to Nanjing West Road Station; a short walk to Plaza 66.
Address: 1266 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District.
Bus and Taxi: Multiple bus lines and taxis serve the area (GoShopShanghai).

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Free Wi-Fi and multilingual customer service available.
Best visited on weekdays for a relaxed experience.
Ample parking and well-landscaped arrival areas (KPF).

Guided Tours and Special Events

No regular public tours, but VIP shopping or art experiences can be arranged through concierge services.
Major events, such as Murakami’s installations and brand pop-ups, are periodically held. Check the official website or social media for updates (Hang Lung Press Release).

Nearby Attractions

Jing’an Temple: Historic Buddhist site within walking distance.
Nanjing Road: Shanghai’s premier shopping street.
The Bund and Shanghai Museum: Easily accessible, offering further cultural exploration (Hitop Tourism).

Awards and Recognition

Emporis Skyscraper Award (Third Place, 2001)
MIPIM Asia Awards 2007 – Business Centres Certificate
NYACE Engineering Excellence Award 2002
LEED V4.0 Platinum and WELL V2 Core Platinum certifications for sustainability and wellness (Hang Lung Properties).

Legacy and Urban Impact

Plaza 66 set a benchmark for luxury mixed-use developments in China, catalyzing the transformation of Nanjing Road West into a premier international business and shopping district. Its success paved the way for international collaborations and influenced Shanghai’s urban renewal (Thornton Tomasetti).

Visitor FAQs

Q: What are Plaza 66’s opening hours?
A: Mall hours are daily, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No; only some special events or exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: How do I get there by metro?
A: Use Line 2 or 12, Nanjing West Road Station.

Q: Is Plaza 66 accessible for disabled visitors?
A: Yes, with comprehensive accessibility features.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not regularly; VIP or event-based experiences can be arranged.

Q: Is Plaza 66 family-friendly?
A: Yes, with workshops and interactive installations suitable for all ages.

Travel Tips and Recommendations

Seasons: Best visited in spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Sep–Nov) for comfortable weather (Trip.com; China Highlights).
Peak Times: Weekends and holidays are busiest; visit on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Tax Refunds: International shoppers can enjoy instant tax refund services (The Bruneian).
Dining: A curated mix of international and local restaurants and cafes is available.
Language: English is widely spoken among staff, but a translation app can be helpful.

Summary

Plaza 66 Shanghai is more than a luxury shopping mall—it is a symbol of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to cultural enrichment. With its visionary architecture, top-tier amenities, and integration of art, commerce, and community, Plaza 66 stands as a gateway to the city’s vibrant lifestyle and international appeal. Whether you are a luxury shopper, art lover, or architecture enthusiast, Plaza 66 offers an unrivaled experience in the heart of Shanghai.