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May 30, 2026
American-Designed Shopping Malls in China
Summary
China’s remarkable journey from poverty to becoming the world’s second-largest economic power is marked by extraordinary urban growth and consumption capacity of its urban population. Central to this development fervor are multifunctional commercial complexes and shopping malls, now key features of modern urban districts. The concept of shopping malls, originally introduced to China by American architects in the 1980s, has since flourished on an even larger scale than their American counterparts.
American-Designed Shopping Malls in China
(Hong Kong University Press, 2026) by Dr. Charlie Qiuli Xue and Dr.
Arwen Yingting Chen delves into the origins of shopping mall development
in the United States after World War II, tracing how American
architects exported this building type into China’s rapidly evolving
urban landscapes, particularly in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Kunming,
and Guangzhou. Using primary sources, statistical analyses, and
illustrated case studies, the book explores the evolution of shopping
malls as a consequence of
China’s profound economic, social, and cultural change over the past
four decades. The book also highlights the impact of American
consumerism on the everyday lives of Chinese people, altering not only
consumer patterns but also local architectural practices. This tale of
transformation is essential reading for anyone interested in China’s
rapid urban development.
This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts.
Your Host
Miranda Melcher
Dr. Miranda Melcher (Ph.D. in Defense Studies from Kings College London) is the host of New Books with Miranda Melcher where she interviews authors on a wide range of books related to history and politics.
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