By Gavin Riley in Beijing 

The second half of the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) 2024 Programme officially kicked off this week with a whirlwind tour of five curated locations in Beijing’s Chaoyang District — the commercial and tourism hub of the bustling capital. 

Hosting 97 journalists from 84 countries, Chaoyang rolled out the red carpet for international media with its first stop at the famed Silk Street market on Jianwai Street. 

Dong Qing, president of Silk Street, explained proudly that the facility has been a mainstay for shopping and commerce in Beijing for over 46 years, spreading Chinese excellence while attracting patrons from all global backgrounds to experience high-quality Chinese-origin goods and services.

The massive 380,000-square-foot complex is home to 1,700 retailers spread over six floors and two basement levels whose sole purpose is to provide unmatched shopping exploits across custom-made apparel, textiles, leather crafts, jewellery, high-end teas, and Chinese handicrafts, among others things. 

Indeed, most Silk Street merchants are proficient in English and run an enticing bargain until shoppers get a deal to their satisfaction. At the same time, major international credit and debit cards, as well as popular e-commerce platforms, are all accepted, ensuring there are no language or payment barriers to dampen the shopping experience. 

Named after the Chaoyang Gate, the district is one of Beijing’s most important urban counties. 

As home to over 90 per cent of foreign embassies and consulates, Chaoyang is the undisputed hub of foreign affairs in China. The district also houses 90 per cent of international media organisations in the capital, as well as over 70 per cent of foreign-invested financial corporations. Furthermore, Chaoyang accounts for nearly a quarter of Beijing’s use of foreign capital and also leads the city in total import-export volume.

Administered by the People’s Government of Beijing, Chaoyang District also serves as the cultural and tourism hub of the capital, boasting year-round attractions, indie fashion, a vibrant nightlife scene and delectable Chinese and international cuisine. 

The Silk Street president further indicated that the complex plays host to the annual opening of Beijing Fashion Week next month, with three major designer brand shows slated around mid-September. 

Next on the tour was THE BOX, a newly reopened and repurposed shopping and lifestyle centre catered exclusively to Beijing’s ever-growing youth population on Chao Wai Street. 

Sitong Wenchong, chairman of its developer Yingzhang Group, disclosed that THE BOX was a thoroughly planned facility reclaimed from the Kuntai Mall originally constructed in the mid-1990s. THE BOX was reopened last September to attract Beijing’s 15-29-year-olds, who hold great spending power in the capital. 

Boasting Skateboard Street, NBA Sky Basketball Court and pet-friendly facilities, as well as Beijing’s first-ever giant ice screen (called the Glass Box) and non-fixed tenant spaces featuring popular Western and Chinese brands, the space enjoys over footfall exceeding 11 million, which speaks to its growing popularity since its opening at the end of Q3 2023. 

Live merchandising by big-name TikTok stars also adds to THE BOX’s edginess. 

The six-storey complex is also home to a premium Chinese creative collective store, BADMARKET, which operates curated events on the first floor, Beijing limited-edition T-shirts, co-branded footwear with Asics, coffee and drinks on its main basement level as well as seating areas along the stairs between basement level one and the first floor, where youth are free to sit, listen to music, relax and take photos for social media. 

Journalists flocked to the NBA Sky Court to show off their basketball skills. 

Afterwards, the tour continued to the Olympic Tower in Beijing’s iconic Olympic Park. 

Located in the heart of the city, the architectural marvel majestically towers 80 storeys above Beijing and is an ideal vantage point for breathtaking cityscape views to witness the expansive scope of China’s historic capital. 

The Olympic Tower is a symbol of pride for Beijing, the only city to have hosted the Summer, Winter and Paralympic Games in 2008 and 2022. The behemoth is adjacent to the seminal Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium and National Aquatics Center. 

The tower also prominently features China’s Olympic heroes over the decades and celebrates its rich sporting legacy as one of the most successful countries to participate in the global games. 

Langyuan Station immediately followed on our illuminating tour, as international media personnel were introduced to another facet of Chinese ingenuity. 

Marrying culture, tradition, fashion and modernity, the Langyuan Station — formerly the renowned Beijing Textile Warehouse — was transformed and upgraded five years ago as part of Chaoyang District’s push to revitalise and renew urban spaces with the capital. 

Now a livable, fashionable platform that retained aspects of its industrial past, Langyuan Station is one of the most sought-after locations in Beijing characterised by waterfront features to the east and west. 

Operated by Beijing Capital Group, Languyan is a popular shopping and leisurely locale which boasts  Station Grill (a reclaimed gas station-turned restaurant), Yoyo Shop, MUMO, X Museum, FECHOES, and the Action Terrace film production company, to name a few stores. 

Zhao Chunyan, general manager at Langyuan Station, spoke extensively of another mainstay at the facility — Laodingfeng Pastry Museum, a Chinese pastry brand originally named by Emperor Qianlong over a century ago. 

The museum serves as Laodingfeng national headquarters, where novelty desserts and teas are made. 

Finally, Chaoyang turned on the charm with a stroll along the picturesque Liangma River, a navigable success story which cuts through Beijing. Originally a canal, the river is undoubtedly one of China’s best-known reclamation projects. The family-friendly and fish-rich location is famous for its dazzling on-river light shows, which highlight China’s forward-thinking approach to technology and entertainment.