Commercial, art and design districts forge distinctive creative paths

A new generation of intellectual property is redefining how Beijing shapes its urban identity. From fashion and art to designer toys and experiential retail, these cultural IP assets are transforming the city's streets, public spaces and imagination.

The 798 Art District is one of the most prominent examples of how Beijing integrates art and technology into a distinctive platform for creativity. Along with Taikoo Li Sanlitun, Shougang Park and Pop Land, it reflects the vibrant growth of the city's trend-driven cultural ecosystem.

In June 2024, the 798 Art District merged with the 751 D.Park, becoming China's largest cultural and creative industry cluster, according to Beijing 798 Culture and Technology, the operator of the two areas. The combined park spans 520,000 square meters, housing more than 600 institutions ranging across art, design, technology, theater, automotive and other fields. Cultural and creative institutions make up over 80 percent of the tenants.

This combined district explores the integration of art and technology, launching initiatives like the 798 Hyper Vision movie theater and the Tech-Culture Festival, which feature digital art, virtual reality and more.

The 798 Art District plays a significant role in Beijing's efforts to become a cultural center, organizing art exchanges and building cultural IP assets. Notable events include the 798 International Art Season and Beijing Art Season, which collectively attracted around 6 million visitors in the first half of 2025.

As an important platform for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries, 798 has hosted more than 100 visiting heads of state and senior government officials. This year's 798 International Art Season attracted mayors and media workers from 51 countries across the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America, presenting exhibitions, music performances and theater productions, according to Beijing 798 Culture and Technology.

The company said, "The 798 Art District serves not only as an arts hub but also as a vital case study for urban regeneration and culture-tech integration."

Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing's Chaoyang district, which opened in 2008, integrates culture, dining, performance, creative industries and retail into a vibrant neighborhood. Events like the Sanlitun International Week and Modern Party at Taikoo Li Sanlitun have contributed to an international, stylish and creative atmosphere.

In May, the Let's Fashion Dialogue presented interactive exhibitions and fashion-themed forums, reinforcing Sanlitun's position as a major hub for consumer culture. Additionally, events like international food festivals, trendy toy exhibitions and immersive artificial intelligence experiences have solidified its distinctive cultural identity.

Shougang Park in Beijing's Shijingshan district exemplifies urban renewal through culture-tech integration. Leveraging industrial relics, such as blast furnaces and Winter Olympic infrastructure, the park hosts creative, sports and technological facilities, such as the SoReal Metaverse Park.

Opened in 2023 at Chaoyang Park in Chaoyang district, Pop Land is the first IP theme park of China's trendy toy maker Pop Mart. Spanning approximately 40,000 sq m, the park features zones such as the Pop Street, Labubu Adventure Forest and Molly's Castle, all designed with elements aligned with the copyrighted figures' characters. In its first month, the theme park attracted more than 100,000 visitors, with an average stay of 4.32 hours.

The theme park features spaces for family leisure, trendy toy stores and social media hot spots, exemplifying how urban spaces can merge with cultural IP assets.

Chaoyang district expressed support for the arrival of Pop Mart and its flagship IP Labubu, describing the toy as "quirky and determined" and a symbol of growing creativity in the city.

Located in Chaoyang district, The Box Chaowai is a structure reminiscent of a dark gray box, with brightly colored murals covering its exterior walls. A basketball court and a skateboard park can be found in the northeastern corner of this shopping complex, which targets the younger generations.

Featuring unique industrial-style decor, the shopping complex regularly hosts events such as basketball games, exhibitions and fairs, making it a multifaceted social hub that meets the diverse needs of today's youth.

wangyuchen@chinadaily.com.cn