World's 10 Largest Shopping Malls (8 in Asia; 3 from the Philippines)

[This was taken from Forbes.]

Ten shopping malls rank as the world's largest, based on the amount of "Gross Leasable Area"--the number of square feet the property has for revenue-generating activities like retail, dining and amusements. Asia is home to eight of the world's 10 largest malls, six of which were built in the last three years. Rankings are based on statistics from Eastern Connecticut State University, which compiles data from mall management companies.

1.  South China Mall

Location: Dongguan, China
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 7.1 million square feet

In the Chinese mall arms race, this facility opened a year after the Golden Resources Mall to displace it as the country's and the world's largest. The space includes wind mills and theme parks, plus a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.

2.  Golden Resources Shopping Mall

Location: Beijing, China
Year Opened: 2004
Gross Leasable Area: 6 million square feet

Not sprawling, this is a stacked-up five-story mall. Approximately 1,000 stores, selling plenty of familiar global brands like Nike and DKNY. A truly ambitious real estate project, with new apartments and offices, surround the mall. A tough location outside the heart of the city has resulted in disappointing traffic from foreign tourists.

3.  SM Mall of Asia

Location: Pasay City, Philippines
Year Opened: 2006
Gross Leasable Area: 4.2 million square feet

Includes the first Olympic-sized swimming pool and first IMAX theater in the Philippines. Spread over four buildings, customers can get around on a 20-seat tram.

4.  Cevahir Istanbul

Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet

Europe's largest shopping mall has a roller coaster, wave pool and several IMAX theaters.

5.  West Edmonton Mall

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Year Opened: 1981
Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet

The biggest in North America, the West Edmonton Mall has over 800 stores, along with attractions like a water park, skating rink, casino and rides.

6.  SM Megamall

Location: Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Year Opened: 1991
Gross Leasable Area: 3.6 million square feet

Fun stuff includes bowling, ice skating and a 12-cinema movie theater, along with traditional mall fare like arcade games. Customers can also get a haircut or see a doctor at the Manila clinic.

7.  Berjaya Times Square

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet

Built with an adjacent hotel and convention center. In addition to over 1,000 retail shops, the mall includes a 12-story-high roller coaster, plus a pool, skating rink and "Cosmo's World," a children's theme park.

8.  Beijing Mall

Location: Beijing, China
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet

The first real suburban mall in China, located about an hour from downtown Beijing, this center has four levels with parking for 8,000 cars, plus a man-made beach. Bootlegged DVDs of American movies are a top seller.

9.  Zhengjia Plaza

Location: Guangzhou, China
Year Opened: 2005
Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet

Has been known to attract over half a million shoppers on a good day. Another mixed-use space, the mall has a hotel and office tower in addition to retail stores.

10.  SM City North Edsa

Location: Quezon City, Philippines
Year Opened: 1985
Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet

The first major "mega mall" built by SM Prime Holdings, which now claims three of the largest 10 in the world. It's a five-story complex that boasts over 100 retail outlets and restaurants, along with 12 cinemas, a bowling alley and skating rink. An IMAX theater could be added soon.