Beijing's iconic commercial districts, such as Wangfujin, Xidan and Qianmen Street, are upgrading their facilities and services to meet the changing consumer needs and preferences, as part of the city's efforts to build into an international consumption center.

Shopping malls in the Xidan commercial district have hosted culture salons and exhibitions and added trendy elements to attract young customers.

The Huawei Mansion, the first modern shopping complex in the area, has undergone renovations to offer a broader range of brands that are popular among trendsetters and young people.

"I used to come to Huawei often when I was young, and now I come here with my daughter," said a customer surnamed Sun.

Huawei Mansion's footfall has increased by 36% since January, according to the municipal commerce authority. Similarly, Xidan Joy City, another major shopping center in the district, surpassed the pre-pandemic level in 2019 and generated over 1 billion yuan ($144.63 million) in sales in the first quarter this year.

Qianmen Street, a famous pedestrian street for shopping and sightseeing, has also undergone changes to offer unique experiences to tourists and shoppers. For instance, Wu Yutai, a traditional tea brand in Beijing, has won the hearts of young customers with its tea-flavored ice cream.

As tourism gradually recovers, commercial streets are witnessing a surge in foot traffic. According to data from the Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau, since March, footfall in the Wangfujing business district has increased by nearly 40% year on year, and the number of customers at Qianmen Street has skyrocketed by nearly 90%.

To tap into consumer potential, Lai Yang, chief expert at the Beijing International Trade Center Research Base, suggested that traditional commercial districts introduce more innovative projects to attract consumers. He added that, to enhance the vitality of the nighttime economy, more nighttime subway and bus routes can be added to the surrounding areas.

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