Economic Observer reporter Zhang Yanan

On September 21, 2026, the structural topping out of the Taikoo Li Shoukai District building complex in Xi'an was completed. It is expected to achieve overall structural topping out by 2027 and be completed and delivered in stages, with subsequent openings.

Xi'an Taikoo Li is jointly developed by Taikoo Real Estate and Xi'an Chenghuan Cultural Investment and Development Co., Ltd., a state-owned enterprise under the Qujiang New Area Management Committee.

The project continues the iconic low-density, open plan architectural layout of the Taikoo Li series, bringing together nearly 500 retail brands and introducing "residential" brand hotels and serviced apartments. It is the largest Taikoo Li project by Swire Properties in mainland China to date, with a total floor area of 269000 square meters (including underground parts).

Xi'an Taikoo Li is adjacent to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, with the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang Dynasty ancient temple Jianfu Temple as the focus of the landscape view. Drawing inspiration from traditional Tang Dynasty architecture, the building height and visual corridor are planned.

Peng Guobang, Chief Executive Officer of Swire Real Estate, said: "As an important project of Swire Real Estate under the HK $50 billion investment plan in mainland China, Xi'an Taikoo Li fully reflects Swire Real Estate's firm confidence in Xi'an's development prospects. Xi'an is one of China's most historic cities, and also an important gateway to the national central city and the" the Belt and Road ". We are honored to build a landmark project here. By combining local cultural elements with our expertise in community building, we strive to build a destination that is deeply rooted in the urban context of Xi'an and can inject modern vitality and new momentum into its development."

During the construction process, Xi'an Taikoo Li adhered to the concept of sustainable development and implemented nearly 50 green and intelligent technologies.

For example, the main structure of the project utilizes low-carbon steel bars made from 100% recycled scrap steel and melted through arc heating effect (reducing carbon emissions by 15000 tons per 10000 tons), as well as low-carbon concrete containing renewable PFA and GGBS (fly ash, granulated blast furnace slag powder). During the construction phase, a total of 5 individual buildings adopted prefabricated building technology, with an average assembly rate of 40.3% for the project.

In addition, Taikoo Li in Xi'an uses wooden structures in some commercial areas in the southern district, while hotels in the northern district use reconstituted bamboo as the main decorative material for the exterior facade, and integrated bamboo as the main structure in some areas. Compared to traditional reinforced concrete buildings, bamboo and wood materials can reduce hidden carbon by up to 30%.

In order to achieve refined management, Xi'an Taikoo Li has established a precise carbon sink system, which divides carbon emission sources into building material consumption, energy consumption, gas emissions, and waste. It has also established an energy consumption zoning measurement system, which uses smart meters, photovoltaic meters, electromagnetic flow meters, smart water meters, and smart scales to comprehensively monitor municipal electricity, photovoltaic power generation, water use, material entry, and waste.

At present, Xi'an Taikoo Li has obtained LEED Platinum Design and Construction Certification, WELL Platinum Health Building Certification, SITES Platinum Landscape Pre Certification, and has been selected as a low-carbon advanced technology demonstration project by the National Development and Reform Commission.

Swire Properties has 6 completed projects in mainland China, including Beijing Taikoo Place, Xi'an Taikoo Li, Sanya Taikoo Li project, Qiantan Taikoo Li expansion project, Lujiazui Taikoo Yuan, and Guangzhou Julongwan Taikoo Li project. Swire Properties' completed investment projects in mainland China cover an area of approximately 1.3 million square meters.

(Author Zhang Yanan)