Before you even step inside Taikoo Hui, you’ll notice The Louis, the enormous Louis Vuitton ship installation that has quickly become one of the most photographed spots in Jing’an. Just steps away sits the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, one of the largest Starbucks locations in the world.
Together, they make Taikoo Hui feel less like a shopping mall and more like a modern Shanghai lifestyle destination combining architecture, cafés, shopping, dining and hotels in one compact area.
Located on Nanjing West Road (南京西路) in Jing’an district, HKRI Taikoo Hui Shanghai sits directly above Nanjing West Road metro station (Lines 2 and 12), making it one of the most accessible spots in the city.
The Louis (路易威登旗舰店)
You will see The Louis before you read about it. A full-scale stainless steel ship rising out of the pavement on Nanjing West Road, clad entirely in the Louis Vuitton monogram — it is either the boldest piece of retail architecture in China or the most extravagant, depending on your perspective. Probably both.
Even if luxury fashion is not your thing, The Louis is worth a look from the outside. The queues on weekends tell their own story.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery (星巴克臻选烘焙工坊)
Just opposite The Louis you’ll find the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, one of the most impressive coffee spaces in Shanghai. Even people who are not particularly interested in Starbucks often end up spending far longer here than expected.
When it opened in 2017, this was the largest Starbucks in the world — a title since taken by the Chicago location — but the Shanghai Roastery still feels enormous. The huge circular building spreads across two floors and is far more than just a coffee shop.
Inside you’ll find multiple coffee bars, an in-house bakery, retail and merchandise areas, tea-based drinks, cocktail bars and large seating spaces with very different atmospheres depending on where you sit.
Some visitors stop briefly for photos while others end up spending an entire afternoon here.
One of the most interesting parts of the Roastery is how much of the coffee preparation happens in full view. Siphon brewing stations, roasting equipment and specialist brewing methods are all part of the experience, giving the space more of the feel of a coffee theatre than a normal café.
The upstairs cocktail bar is another surprise for first-time visitors, while the bakery section near the entrance usually draws a steady crowd throughout the day.
At weekends the Roastery gets extremely busy, particularly in the afternoons. A weekday morning visit is much calmer and gives you a much better chance to appreciate the scale and design of the space.
The Roastery faces directly onto the plaza between Taikoo Hui and The Louis, creating one of the more striking street-level scenes in Shanghai, especially after dark when the lights reflect across the wet pavement.
Address: 789 Nanjing West Road (南京西路789号) · [Map]
City’Super (城市超市)
Hidden beneath Taikoo Hui is City’Super, one of the best places in central Shanghai for imported groceries, Japanese ingredients, wine, bakery products and higher-end everyday shopping.
You’ll find it on B2 level, directly accessible from the metro exit — making it genuinely convenient for a shop on the way home as well as a dedicated trip.
Expect a strong selection of imported dairy, wine, charcuterie, fresh pasta, and Western pantry staples alongside high-quality fresh produce. Prices are higher than a local supermarket but the range justifies it for expats and visitors looking for familiar ingredients.
For other City’Super locations and other imported food supermarkets across Shanghai, see our Shanghai Supermarket Store Finder.
Eating & Drinking at Taikoo Hui
Taikoo Hui has an extensive restaurant floor. A few personal picks worth highlighting:
The Cheesecake Factory There are very few Cheesecake Factory locations in Asia, which makes this one genuinely worth noting for visitors from outside the US. The menu is vast, the portions are American-sized, and the quality is more consistent than the casual-dining format might suggest. Worth it well beyond the cheesecake.
Shanghai Club A more polished dining experience with a strong local menu. The feel is premium but the pricing is more manageable than the surroundings imply — a good option for a proper sit-down meal without a fine-dining bill.
Five Guys Reliable, consistent burgers. Again, rarer in Asia than most visitors expect. Good option if you want something quick and familiar.
For more ideas on where to eat, we have a Shanghai restaurant guide.
Hotels at Taikoo Hui
Two of Shanghai’s better hotels sit within the Taikoo Hui complex, making it a genuinely strong base for visitors who want to be in Jing’an.
The Upper House Shanghai The Upper House is a design-led luxury hotel and serviced apartments with a strong reputation for service and interiors. Part of the Swire Hotels group — the same company behind Taikoo Hui itself — it sits at the top of the complex with views across Jing’an.
The Sukhothai Shanghai A Thai-influenced luxury boutique hotel with a quieter, more intimate feel than many of Shanghai’s larger five-star properties. Strong spa, good restaurant. I especially like coming here for a gin and tonic (from their impressive selection of gins) in the Urban Lounge.
For full hotel reviews and booking, see our Shanghai hotels guide.
Getting There
Taikoo Hui is directly above Nanjing West Road station (南京西路站), served by Metro Lines 2 and 12. Exit directly into the mall at B2 level.
By taxi or Didi: 789 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District (静安区南京西路789号).
For more information on getting around town, see our taxi vs subway guide.
A Note on Crowds
Taikoo Hui is busy at weekends, particularly tourists and influencers taking photos around The Louis and the Starbucks Roastery. If you are visiting specifically for the Roastery, a weekday morning is noticeably more relaxed. The restaurant floors peak at lunchtime and again from 6pm — booking ahead is advisable for the more popular spots.
Explore more:
2-day Shanghai Itinerary | Shanghai Layover Itinerary | Shanghai Attractions | Nanjing Road Guide