Located in Xicheng District of Beijing, Dashilan is a core node on the 7.8-kilometer-long central axis.

Located in the core area of Dashilan, Beijing Fang is deeply rooted in historical and cultural heritage and has been continuously upgraded. The second phase of the project features a brand-new 3,000-square-meter sky city garden, adding a new highlight to the revitalization of the old city.

A century-old legacy bears witness to change

The 3,000-square-meter rooftop city garden has a variety of functions.

Beijing Fang is located in the core area of the Dashilan Historical and Cultural Conservation Zone, extending from Meishi Street in the west to Zhubaoshi Street in the east, and from Xiheyan Street in the north to Langfang Ertiao in the south, forming a distinctive spatial layout of "one main street, four squares, and multiple hutongs." Phase I of Beijing Fang opened in June 2018, and Phase II is scheduled to open in September 2025, simultaneously featuring a 3,000-square-meter rooftop urban garden. Throughout the entire renovation and transformation of the area, the concept of inheriting and promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture has been consistently upheld.

Strolling along Beijing Fangzhu Street, the iconic Quanyechang building comes into view. Originally built in 1905 and named the "Beijing Industrial Promotion Exhibition Hall," the name "Quanye" carries the auspicious meaning of "encouraging people to strive, revitalizing industry, and promoting domestic products." In 1923, the renowned modern architect Shen Liyuan oversaw its reconstruction, incorporating the spirit of the European Art Nouveau movement and presenting a rich Baroque style. It was the first large-scale comprehensive commercial building in Beijing during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period.

The former site of Quanyechang is surrounded by historical relics: to the north are the former sites of the Bank of Communications and the Salt Industry Bank; to the east are Baohengxiang Gold Shop and Qianxiangyi; and to the west is Sanyanghao. In 2006, the former site of Quanyechang was listed as a sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Today, this century-old building has been transformed into the Beijing Fang Cultural and Art Exchange Center, complementing the surrounding historical relics and continuing the cultural heritage of the old city.

Climbing to the top floor of the building reveals the newly completed rooftop urban garden of Beijing Fang Phase II. From the railing, one can enjoy panoramic views of Qianmen and even the entire city of Beijing. This 3,000-square-meter open rooftop space is multifunctional, capable of hosting various special events, making full use of this high-ceilinged, previously vacant space.

Many popular photo spots are gaining popularity.

More than 40 first stores have been launched.

A stroll through Beijing Fang will allow you to truly experience the unique charm of this "Chinese-style lifestyle experience street." On the main street of Langfang Toutiao, a dreamy sea of tassel flowers can be seen overhead—colorful magnolia-shaped tassel installations sway in the air, shimmering and sparkling in the sunlight, making it a popular spot for taking photos in Qianmen.

Within the neighborhood, over 40 first-time stores, including MUJI HOTEL, Choco Chocolate Museum, and Starbucks Reserve flagship store, have opened, along with Beijing's first "Beijing Gift Collection Store" catering to both domestic and international tourists. From its inception, the store offered "instant tax refund" for departing tourists, and features dozens of popular cultural and creative products, multilingual guides, and smart service equipment, making it popular with consumers both at home and abroad. Simultaneously, the store delves into the cultural resources of hutong merchants and guild halls, using the historical heritage of Langfang Toutiao's "Centennial Lantern Street" as a blueprint to launch popular themed events such as "Fish Chasing Palace Lanterns" and "Flowers in Full Bloom and Full Moon."

If you're looking for tranquility, PAGEONE Bookstore is an excellent choice. Its three floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower and the bustling Qianmen Street, allowing readers to gaze at the ever-changing clouds above the city gate while reading.

According to a reporter from Beijing Youth Daily, the PAGEONE bookstore's spatial design is based on the concept of "streets and alleys," constructing multiple independent spaces with different themes across three floors of more than 2,000 square meters. The aim is to allow people to still feel the distinct spatial relationship between the interior and exterior, and between the private and public spaces of an open city, thus continuing the urban perspective and spatial experience.

Another popular attraction, the Chocolate Museum, is themed "A Chance Encounter with Beijing and the Charm of the Orient," using nearly 50 tons of chocolate to recreate the beautiful scenery of China, creating a sweet encounter between Western cocoa culture and Eastern civilization that transcends time and space.

Upon entering the museum, a handcrafted "chocolate axis" immediately catches the eye. Craftsmen, using precise casting and assembly techniques, have condensed iconic buildings along the central axis—such as Yongdingmen, Zhengyangmen, Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and the Bell and Drum Towers—into a proportional form on an 8-meter-long chocolate scroll. Even the finest details, such as roof tiles, window lattices, and base carvings, are clearly discernible, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.

The museum has upgraded the "traditional static chocolate retail store" into a "multi-sensory experiential" space, using museum narratives and interactive installations to construct a composite cultural tourism space that integrates cultural popularization, art appreciation and consumer experience.

Digital technology empowers the old city

A century-old neighborhood is revitalized

Beyond cultural experiences, digital technology is injecting new momentum into Beijing Fang. Within the district, the 6,000-square-meter Ruijing Digital Complex and the 6,100-square-meter technology business incubation center stand side by side, with supporting functional areas such as experience centers, release centers, incubation centers, and common technology service platforms.

The complex takes "technology + culture + experience" as its core development strategy, creating six themed experience spaces: AI co-creation, robotics education, immersive light and shadow, digital art, technological interaction, and VR immersive experience, thus constructing a complete operational loop of "digital empowerment—cultural experience—consumption conversion." Through various digital art exhibitions and other diverse activities, the century-old Quanyechang's original aspiration of "encouraging people to work hard and revitalizing industry" is revitalized in the digital age. It is reported that the Interstellar Exploration Hall in the Ruijing Digital Complex will soon open to the public, which is highly anticipated. (Source: Beijing Youth Daily)