On a warm afternoon, the Longfu Temple commercial district became increasingly popular. At the Gengdu Bookstore, there were more people reading, buying books, and browsing. The fragrance of books mixed with the aroma of coffee, and there were various types of books, anime-themed "resin kits", and a relaxing space shaped like an eggshell that was both novel and healing. This small bookstore was not only a place to read, but also a place to feel, wander, and daydream. Not far from the bookstore, the silver exterior of the MUMU Art Community had a futuristic feel and combined art exhibitions, art cinemas, and more. It was a trendy spot loved by young people. However, it's hard to imagine that these buildings without walls and with a retro fashion style were once warehouses, canteens, and power distribution buildings in a shopping mall.
Longfu Temple was first built in 1452 during the Ming Dynasty and was once the core commercial area of the capital. In 2012, Dongcheng District initiated the protection of the area's style and urban renewal, and the park adopted a phased approach to renovation. In 2019, the first phase of 75,000 square meters was transformed into a new cultural and creative space that integrates urban study rooms, art galleries, art districts, and shared offices. The second phase mainly focuses on the regional development around the subway Zhibu plot, including the east courtyard of Longfu Temple, the south block of Longfu Temple, and the Changhong Cinema project, which is now in the final construction phase.
There are approximately 40 merchants in the first phase of Longfu Temple, and the second phase will introduce more than 200 merchants, bringing richer business formats and content. This year, Longfu Temple will introduce a group of key merchants. "Through these rich business formats, we will build an international cultural exchange experience area, a cultural and commercial tourism complex, and create a fun and diverse themed commercial block," said a person in charge of Longfu Temple.
Around the Longfu Building, there are also a group of bungalows. As part of the third phase of the Longfu Temple construction, the bungalows will undergo an application-based lease termination and restoration construction to improve residents' living infrastructure and update the urban space. It will create a traditional courtyard-style area with a compound function mainly consisting of a museum, designer studio, Chinese culture center, and a book bar, and continue the historical context of Longfu Temple.
In addition, Longfu Temple is also making every effort to promote the construction of "Digital Longfu Temple", focusing on consumers, managers, and merchants, carrying out digital management, consumption, and operation construction, bringing people a diversified and immersive consumption experience.
