It occupies a prominent position southeast of the Lujiazui roundabout, diagonally across from the Oriental Pearl Tower and across the road from Super Brand Mall.

Work continued for several years afterwards on peripheral aspects of the development, including landscaping and footbridge connections to nearby buildings and Lujiazui Central Park.

The remainder of the retail area is largely taken up by upscale chain restaurants and international luxury fashion brands.

Shanghai IFC, like its sister project the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong, was developed by Sun Hung Kai Properties.

Shanghai International Financial Center was officially opening ceremony by China's top leader, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party's Hu Jintao on New Year's Day 2011.

Most of the tenants on the ground floor are 24 international chain stores including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Cartier, Ermenegildo Zegna, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany & Co., Dunhill London and Burberry.