An artist's impression of the Hongqiao Tiandi commercial complex. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The construction of Hongqiao Tiandi, the biggest commercial complex in Hongqiao Central Business District (CBD), is set to be completed and its grand opening is scheduled for Dec 17.

Hongqiao Tiandi is a flagship project of Longfor Properties Co. Ltd, one of China's premier companies dealing with property development, investment, and management. The company has a total investment portfolio of 10 billion yuan ($1.51 billion). The commercial complex is comprised of seven office buildings, two extensive shopping malls, a business street, a five-star hotel, and 2000 parking spaces.

Hongqiao Tiandi covers a 1.4 million-square-meter area of Hongqiao CBD and will span from National Convention and Exhibition Center in the west to Hongqiao Railway Station in the east. The construction of 21 underground walkways will facilitate movement between various commercial and office buildings. The Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute hopes that these underground walkways will increase the convenience and utility of Hongqiao Tiandi.

"Five underpasses have already been put into use. The others are still being finished. These underpasses will be opened once the interior decoration has been finished. They will help to connect all of the buildings," one official said.

It is hoped that Hongqiao Tiandi will become a business hub and a place offering locals greater choice in shopping and leisure activities.