Khan Shatyr Shopping Center

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Khan Shatyr Shopping Center, Astana

Khan Shatyr is not only the largest shopping mall in Kazakhstan but also a unique architectural marvel. Designed to resemble a traditional Kazakh yurt, this enormous transparent structure rises 150 meters high, making it the tallest tent-like construction in the world. The name “Khan Shatyr” translates from Kazakh as “the king of tents,” drawing parallels with similarly grand names in Russian, such as “Tsar Bell” or “Tsar Cannon.”

The area beneath the dome of Khan Shatyr could fit over 10 football fields. The total floor space of Kazakhstan’s largest shopping center spans 127,000 square meters. Spread across four floors, the mall offers top-tier shopping and entertainment in Astana, including nearly 200 stores, a massive supermarket, a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, a cinema, Fame City entertainment center complete with a “Dino Park” and attractions, a water park, swimming pools, fitness centers, and even a tropical beach resort. Events and parties are regularly held at the atrium and Sky Beach Club. Parking is available for up to 700 cars.

Khan Shatyr operates daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with shops closing at 10:00 PM. The cinema remains open until 2:00 AM, and the Sky Beach tropical resort closes at 9:00 PM. Specific operating hours for each venue can be found on the official website.

On the second floor of Khan Shatyr, the 6-screen cinema Chaplin Cinemas is equipped with the latest technology. Moviegoers can enjoy global cinema releases in top-notch quality, with crisp visuals and immersive sound thanks to the Dolby Atmos sound system. Films are available in Real 3D format, and special glasses for 3D viewing are sold separately. Standard 3D glasses cost 150 tenge, while clip-on lenses for prescription glasses are priced at 450 tenge.

All six theaters are furnished with ergonomic seats designed for maximum comfort during screenings. The cinema’s food bar, located near the ticket counters, offers a selection of snacks to enjoy during the movie.

Sky Beach Club at Khan Shatyr

Located under the dome, the highlight of Khan Shatyr is the Sky Beach Club. This is the first and only recreation center in Kazakhstan that mimics a real tropical resort. The temperature is maintained at a constant 35°C year-round, with a beach covered in sand imported from the Maldives. The innovative heating system creates an authentic beach experience, allowing visitors to relax on warm sand or sip cocktails while lounging on sunbeds. The resort also features two swimming pools, a water park, sauna, and jacuzzi. Sky Beach Club regularly hosts parties for various holidays and themed events, and yoga classes are also offered.

Swimming Pools

The resort is equipped with two pools. The larger pool measures 25 meters in length, 1.4 meters deep, with the water temperature set at 28°C. The smaller pool includes a wave feature, allowing visitors to float or relax to the soothing sound of waves while taking in the tropical ambiance.

Water Park

The Sky Beach Club water park is relatively small, featuring a few slides, but they are tall enough to be thrilling for both adults and children. Although the water park may not be a standalone attraction, it serves as a delightful addition to the club’s resort-like infrastructure.

Pricing

Ticket prices are as follows:

  • 12,000 tenge for adults
  • 7,000 tenge for children Children under 5 years old can enter for free. Towels are provided upon entry, but additional towels, slippers, and bathrobes are available for an extra fee.

Interior of the Mall

The architecture of the Khan Shatyr shopping mall is impressive both outside and inside. The interior space, designed around an atrium concept, features three support pillars holding up the tent-like structure made from a transparent polymer material stitched together with steel cables. All structural elements are exposed, allowing visitors to appreciate the unusual beauty, particularly the grand dome. Sunlight passes through the translucent canopy, creating a stunning view of the intricate supports from both inside and outside the mall, giving the complex an even more futuristic appearance. The three-layer polymer coating protects the space beneath the dome from the extreme temperature fluctuations characteristic of Kazakhstan’s harsh climate, maintaining an optimal indoor environment.

This masterpiece was designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster, one of the leading figures in the “high-tech” architectural style and a follower of the great Russian engineer V.G. Shukhov. In addition to Khan Shatyr, Foster also co-designed the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (in collaboration with Gulzifa Abileva) and the Library of the First President in Astana.

Khan Shatyr opened on July 6, 2010. Forbes Style magazine ranked it among the world’s top ten eco-friendly buildings, an honor previously never bestowed on any structure in the CIS.

Restaurants

After a day of shopping or entertainment, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes or restaurants within the mall. Khan Shatyr features over 30 dining establishments offering European, Eastern, Asian, and Russian cuisine.

One of the best places for lunch is the Turkish restaurant Ozyurt, which serves traditional Eastern dishes like kebabs, doner, chorba, and pide. This halal restaurant does not serve alcohol but offers a wide selection of teas and authentic Eastern sweets. Other dining options include the Salivan restaurant and the cafe Izbushka.

For a casual dining experience, Jolly&Joker is a stylish pub known for its delicious burgers and lively parties. Coffee lovers can indulge at Ottoman, Caffe Latte, or the American chain Starbucks. Ice cream enthusiasts should stop by Movenpick cafe, while frozen yogurt fans will enjoy Yagusha and Tutti Frutti.

Khan Shatyr also features global fast-food chains like KFC and Burger King for quick bites.

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