Across China: Renovated historic block in central Beijing blends commerce, heritage, lifestyle

This photo taken with a mobile phone on Aug. 9, 2025 shows a view of the Beijing Fun complex in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Song Xinping)

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- In the welcoming lobby of the Muji Hotel in central Beijing's Beijing Fun complex, Dutch visitor Guido Langendoen recently paid for an ice cream using WeChat Pay.

"I don't have much cash with me," he said, adding that mobile payment systems have been reliable everywhere he has gone.

It is Langendoen's first trip to China. "After a tiring red-eye flight yesterday, we're finally starting to explore this city with rich historical heritage," he said.

As Beijing Fun is situated in the heart of the city, Langendoen and his family opted to tour the complex first, saving major sights like the Forbidden City for later in the day.

Langendoen is among a growing number of domestic and international tourists drawn to the area's unique blend of culture and commerce.

Located next to the Beijing Central Axis, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site last year, Beijing Fun has grown into a cultural landmark and a pioneering model of urban renovation since it opened in 2018.

From architectural design to business planning, Beijing is home to countless renovated buildings and walkways. "The whole neighborhood preserves the original 'hutong' fabric while incorporating contemporary architectural elements," said Zhang Chen, who is in charge of Beijing Fun's promotion. "The design reflects harmony in diversity."

At the heart of Beijing Fun stands the historic Quanyechang building, which was once a department store and dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In 2006, the original site of Quanyechang was designated as part of what is now a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level. Today, the century-old building serves as a cultural arts center.

Beyond its historic appeal, Beijing Fun embodies vibrant consumer culture, attracting rising numbers of renowned brands that enrich its cultural tourism offerings. The area has become a hub for creative enterprises -- from art and design innovators to lifestyle brands -- presenting diverse consumer experiences.

Not far from Quanyechang, the PAGEONE bookstore attracts readers of all ages with a multi-story layout perfect for browsing and relaxation. A dedicated section features books about the Beijing Central Axis and traditional culture, also showcasing themed postcards, souvenirs and other cultural keepsakes.

"We aim to provide more than just a bookstore experience," said Liu Di, marketing manager of PAGEONE. The store creates a cultural platform that engages the public through activities such as literary salons, book-signing events, film screenings, art workshops and vinyl record listening sessions, Liu added.

According to Zhang, Beijing Fun is not just a shopping center, but a neighborhood where people can explore new lifestyles and immersive cultural experiences. Since it opened, it has hosted nearly 1,000 public culture, international exchange and performance events.

"By organizing a variety of pop-up events and cultural and creative markets, we're striving to build a lifestyle destination that blends commerce, heritage and experience," Zhang said.

The second phase of Beijing Fun is set to open this year, featuring even more experiential offerings, including those related to city-themed IP exploration, healthy lifestyles and trendy art spaces.

In recent years, Beijing has integrated cultural soft power with urban planning. As a crucial part of integrating people, city and industry, cultural and commercial landmarks like Beijing Fun have become engines for high-quality development and vibrant new centers of cultural consumption in the Chinese capital.

With China's expanding visa-free travel policy, the country is becoming a global hub for tourism and culture. Leveraging their prime locations and rich offerings, these new landmarks offer visitors a window to the real China and demonstrate how old cities can tell new stories. ■

This photo taken with a mobile phone on Aug. 9, 2025 shows an exterior view of the Quanyechang building of Beijing Fun, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Song Xinping)