In today’s rapidly growing e-commerce industry, fresh food e-commerce platforms rely heavily on advanced cold storage facilities to maintain product quality and ensure efficient logistics distribution. Building a large-scale cold storage warehouse has become a critical investment for enterprises looking to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce spoilage, and support nationwide delivery.
However, the construction cost of a cold storage warehouse is not a fixed number. It depends on multiple factors such as storage capacity, temperature requirements, insulation materials, refrigeration equipment, and the overall system configuration.

Estimated Construction Cost of Fresh E-commerce Cold Storage (China Region)
(All prices are approximate and for reference only; actual cost depends on project specifications. Prices below are based on Chinese market rates and converted to USD for reference.)
| Cold Storage Size | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 m² | ¥900,000 | ≈ $125,000 |
| 3,000 m² | ¥2,300,000 | ≈ $320,000 |
| 5,000 m² | ¥4,300,000 | ≈ $600,000 |
| 10,000 m² | ¥8,500,000 | ≈ $1.18 million |
💡 Note: These estimates are based on China’s construction market pricing. Costs may vary depending on materials, location, energy efficiency standards, and specific storage requirements.
👉For example, the 35,000m³ JD E-commerce Logistics Cold Storage Project in Jiangsu serves as a successful benchmark for large-scale cold chain logistics design and construction, providing valuable reference for enterprises planning similar projects.
Key Factors Affecting Cold Storage Cost
- Temperature Zones – Different storage temperatures (e.g., 0–5°C for fresh produce, -18°C for frozen goods) directly affect equipment and insulation needs.
- Refrigeration System Configuration – Compressor type (Bitzer, Hanbell, or parallel screw systems) and cooling method (air-cooled, water-cooled) impact energy efficiency and cost.
- Warehouse Design & Automation – Large-scale e-commerce warehouses often include racking systems, sorting conveyors, and automatic doors for rapid logistics operations.
- Energy Efficiency Standards – Higher insulation performance or solar-assisted systems can reduce long-term operational costs but increase initial investment.
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