Bay area buzz: Shenzhen Bay MixC phase II opens

Phase II of the upscale Shenzhen Bay MixC mall officially opened today in Nanshan District, strengthening the Houhai skyline and enhancing its positioning as a “commerce + culture” super-hub.

Phase II of the upscale Shenzhen Bay MixC mall opens with a grand ceremony in Nanshan District today. Photos courtesy of Mixc

Located amid landmarks such as the China Resources Tower, Shenzhen Bay Sports Center and Shenzhen Bay Cultural Plaza in the Houhai commercial area, the Phase II project reinforces its status as one of Shenzhen’s major retail destinations by adding nearly 300 new brands, including more than 120 first stores. It brings the combined Shenzhen Bay MixC ecosystem to more than 500 brands across both phases.

Visitors explore the newly opened Phase II of Shenzhen Bay MixC shopping mall today. 

Complementing the largely luxury offerings of Phase I, the new phase’s retail mix spans full categories: outdoor sports, high-end beauty, international luxury and designer labels, and lifestyle electronics, among others. About 20 professional outdoor brands have opened their flagship and first-in-South China stores here, greatly enriching Shenzhen’s portfolio of "first-store economy." Over 80 curated dining venues, roughly 50 of which are first stores, expand culinary choices and experiences for shoppers.

With a floor space of over 150,000 square meters, Phase II has dedicated more than 60,000 square meters to cultural programming, including the Shenzhen Bay Art Museum, an immersive theater and a digital art center. Although those cultural facilities are scheduled to open by 2026, a large-scale cultural program, “Bay Area Mix Art Season,” has launched with more than 100 art and cultural experiences already on offer. 

Eye-catching sculptures animate the plaza outside Shenzhen Bay MixC Phase II, echoing the dynamic spirit of the space.

Eye-catching sculptures animate the plaza outside Shenzhen Bay MixC Phase II, echoing the dynamic spirit of the space.

Nearly 400 works by British photographer Martin Parr make their South China debut today at the WAVE Plaza in Zone B. Presented in partnership with Fotografiska, “Martin Parr: Collective Works” spans five decades of the photographer’s career, and includes distinctive Chinese subjects. The exhibition runs through Feb. 28, 2026.

Also opening today, the “Tribute to Matisse: An Artistic Journey” showcases 16 Matisse-inspired works by leading Chinese young artists across Zones B, C and D. Other highlights include a large immersive water projection show created by Hollywood’s Territory Studio on WAVE Plaza, which combines holography and advanced visual effects. Opening tonight, the daily projection runs at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. throughout the National Day holiday from Oct. 1 to 8.

An art space in the shopping mall invites visitors into a sun-soaked world of pop satire and visual wit.

Wave Plaza comes alive each night with an immersive fountain and projection show — a visual centerpiece of MixC Phase II.

Shenzhen Bay MixC Phase II links physically and visually to Shenzhen Bay Cultural Plaza, which is designed by Ma Yansong and his MAD Architects, creating a “design-public space-commerce” axis in Houhai. The Shenzhen Bay Cultural Plaza has partnered with world-renowned institutions such as the Design Museum (London) and France’s Le Mobilier national (French National Furniture Archive) and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris Decorative Arts Museum) to host public exhibitions and multidisciplinary festivals.

Phase II also enhances three-dimensional connectivity across the Houhai area — underground, ground and elevated levels — seamlessly connecting workplaces, residences, retail and cultural venues. On the upper level, the 2-kilometer Shenzhen Bay Street serves as a green promenade for slow-moving traffic. The ground level integrates office buildings, retail and Shenzhen Talent Park, while the “Green Valley” below ground integrates with Metro lines 2, 11 and 13.

Art and nature intertwine above the skyline at Shenzhen’s new culture-commerce hub.

Add: No. 2888, Keyuan South Road, Nanshan District (深圳南山区科苑南路2888号）

Metro: Line 13, Talent Park Station (人才公园站), Exit B1; Lines 2, 11, Houhai Station （后海站), Exit H, G