Beijing's Sanlitun hotspot getting hotter

As one of Beijing's busiest areas for nightlife, Sanlitun in Chaoyang district is looking to boost consumption by targeting groups of younger people and inviting more new brands to set up business in the area.

According to the Chaoyang District Commerce Bureau, the project to renovate and upgrade Sanlitun is now in full swing.

The remodeling of Taikoo Li Sanlitun West — formerly known as Yashow Market — has also commenced, which will complement the existing Taikoo Li Sanlitun shopping center upon its completion.

According to travel data from domestic transport company Didi, the Sanlitun area ranked second nationwide for nightlife attractions, surpassing even the popular Bund in Shanghai.

Sanlitun plans to attract more high-end international fashion brands to open up shop for the first time in the area. Last year, Taikoo Li Sanlitun introduced 26 such stores from companies including Canada Goose. Half of them were the companies' first store in Asia or in China.

In 2020, Sanlitun plans to introduce 11 new brands, including one flagship store for Asia, four first stores in China and four first stores in Beijing. In addition, seven retailers in Taikoo Li Sanlitun have started offering departure tax refund services to attract overseas consumers.

Chaoyang district is home to numerous embassies and international organizations. It plans to develop Sanlitun into a hot spot for fashion, culture, dining and shopping, as well as a modern hub for both domestic and foreign tourists.

This year, Chaoyang's commerce bureau will take measures to promote nighttime consumption and continue to develop more late-night eatery streets, cultural consumption zones and night markets.

Six companies, including Hopson One Beijing, Solana Shopping Park and Taikoo Li Sanlitun, are currently planning a series of events between May and September, aiming to bring in even greater numbers of shoppers.