James Baquet

    SHENZHEN’S larger malls are well-known. But when I went to look at the site of the new OCT shopping center (to be opened later in August), I ran across a huge, little-known venue in the same area, and it was nearly deserted.

    I’m talking about the Kingkey Banner Center, developed by the same people who brought us the KK Mall in Luohu, located in Shenzhen’s tallest building.

    Banner Center is less conspicuous, located in the first floors of a large apartment building on Baishi Road between Shenwan Road 1st and 2nd, directly north of the Hongshuwan Station on Metro Line 2 (Shekou Line).

    The first floor has a large Rainbow store, and there are gift shops and other “lifestyle” places on the basement level. A small cultural museum will open soon; until then, the wood-carving place next door has plenty of attractive traditional statuary and furniture. There’s a bookstore, too, with some English selections.

    The second floor is largely for women’s wear, and the top floor is mostly child-oriented, with a kindergarten and numerous shops selling infants’ and children’s supplies. (One of these is the largest baby/kid store I’ve seen in Shenzhen.)

    Finally, every level is loaded with restaurants. Lots of the Western favorites (Starbucks, KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Dunkin’ Donuts, Dairy Queen, TCBY) are there, as well as other familiar chains (Ajisen Noodles, RBT). There are also a dozen or more fine Chinese restaurants.

    Those who prefer “the road less traveled” should check out this hidden shoppers’ paradise!