China has opened its first shopping mall with an esports theme. Known as the ESP eSports Experience Centre, the mall opened in the Putuo District of Shanghai early in the summer.

The centre is home to a professional esports arena, which will be the principal host for the Honor of Kings tournament. As well as a battle arena, the venue features virtual reality gaming.

King Pro League, the regional esports competition in East China, is also expected to take place at the shopping mall, hosting over 350 games a year.

The esports shopping mall extends over 36,000 square metres.

The district of Putuo is home to over 20 esports firms, which are playing a role in contributing to Shanghai’s aim of becoming the esports capital of the world.