Chongqing Tiandi is a large-scale development project in western China, by Hong Kong's Shui On Land, and a key venture by the city government to turn an old district into a modern business and residential centre. Covering an area of 3.6 million square metres, Chongqing Tiandi is being built on a 2km bend of the Jialing River in the northwestern part of Yuzhong district. Construction of the project started in October 2005 and is expected to be completed by about 2018. When finished, the project will include residential areas and a commercial district comprising offices, hotels, food and beverage outlets, and retail and entertainment facilities. Chongqing Tiandi is connected to the north and south of Chongqing city by a network of highways and bridges, and is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Chongqing. The plans for Chongqing Rail Transit's No 9 line include provisions for a stop at Chongqing Tiandi. The residential development of Chongqing Tiandi covers 1.5 million square metres. This includes the development of three residential 'villages' - Riviera, Riviera II and Riviera III - in phases. The Riviera, which has already been completed and sold, covers an area of 50,000 square metres, with a gross floor area of 100,000 square metres and 784 units in its 12 blocks. The Riviera II is partially completed and sold, while Riviera III will be completed about the middle of next year. Amenities within the residential areas will include green zones, clubhouses, supermarket, bank, post office, an international primary school and a kindergarten. The International Entertainment Centre, also known as Xintiandi, is the core of Chongqing Tiandi. It covers an area of 32,000 square metres, with a gross floor area of 85,000 square metres. The design of the complex is inspired by the traditional architectural styles of the 'hill town' and local cultural characteristics. Most of the shops, restaurants, cafes and bars at the complex have been operating since October last year, while the boutique hotel is expected to open soon. A key attraction of Chongqing Tiandi is the man-made lake and wetland park built on a natural marsh wetland, covering an area of 270,000 square metres. Located between the residential and commercial areas, the park retains much of the site's original water-hill features, serving as a green zone for outdoor leisure and relaxation. The International Trade and Commerce Centre is the commercial complex of Chongqing Tiandi. It comprises three towers and a podium, with a floor area of 680,000 square metres. When completed, the complex will provide grade-A office space, a 5-star hotel, and a shopping centre. The icon of the complex will be a 105-storey building (Tower 1), 468 metres tall. Grade-A office space will be provided. The first to 67th floors will serve as grade-A offices, while a 5-star international hotel chain will make use of the floors above the 68th level. Tower 2 is a 47-storey tower, 255 metres tall, while Tower 3 will be a 39-storey luxury serviced apartment. Construction of Tower 2 is under way and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The podium will house the 110,000-square-metre shopping mall.
