As the hustle and bustle of the city intertwines with whispers of history, and modern prosperity collides with ancient charm, a new journey of cultural heritage, quality living, and green ecology is unfolding on Daji Xiang, Luomashi Dajie (St), Xicheng.
Following the successful inscription of Beijing's Central Axis as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang is set to make its grand debut as a landmark urban renewal project. This integrated complex—blending cultural preservation, commerce, office spaces, and green areas—carries the mission of honoring the capital's historical legacy while enhancing urban living. With an innovative business model and a commitment to sustainability, it will weave history into the fabric of a bustling metropolis, preserving cultural heritage and offering a vibrant, green, and diverse lifestyle for all.
Cultural Heritage
Weaving History Back Together, Revitalizing Intangible Cultural Heritage
Located on Luomashi Dajie (St) in Xicheng, Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang is a transit-oriented development (TOD) atop Metro Lines 4 and 7, just 2.5 km from Tian'anmen Square. Within a 5 km radius, it connects key commercial hubs such as Financial Street, Xidan, Wangfujing, and Chongwenmen. As a bold innovation by China Overseas Uni Commerce in the retail sector, the project extends the brand's "Li" series while pioneering the new "Lane" series. Nestled in an area where the profound historical heritage of the capital meets the vibrancy of modern urban life, Daji Xiang—a distinctive historical hutong—is set to be revitalized with new energy.
The heritage conservation area of Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang is primarily located in the northwest section of the site. It includes one municipal (provincial) heritage site—the former residence of Kang Youwei—and three registered historical sites: the courtyard at No. 29 Mishi Hutong, the former office of the Weekly Review, and the Guanyin Temple Overpass. "Unlike typical historical and cultural districts, Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang boasts a unique advantage with its courtyard-style block layout at the heart of Xuan'nan culture. Uncovering and showcasing the renewed potential of Xuan'nan culture is a key focus of our project," explained Gao Yang, a project representative. To preserve these valuable historical relics, the project team has conducted in-depth research on local culture, meticulously restoring and reconstructing these sites to bring their historical charm back to life.
Guided by the principle of "restoring the city like restoring cultural relics," Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang strictly adheres to the philosophy of maintaining the original form, structure, materials, and craftsmanship. Every detail, from traditional architectural elements like courtyard gateheads, decorative walls, and intricately carved doors, is carefully restored to achieve the goal of "repairing the old as old". For instance, when reconstructing beautifully carved remnants of decorative walls and doorways, specialists first conduct professional assessments before precisely restoring them to their original design. Even the height and proportions of gate structures are meticulously recreated to ensure historical authenticity, preserving the historical texture of the site while breathing new life into its ancient architecture. Notably, six courtyards within the project will be transformed into museums, offering free access to the public. "These six courtyards will serve as museums in the heritage zone, allowing visitors to admire precious historical artifacts up close, gain insight into the origins and evolution of Xuan'nan culture, and immerse themselves in the layers of history," Gao Yang shared. Beyond the museum walls, visitors can seamlessly transition into the bustling commercial district, indulging in stylish shopping, specialty dining, and modern leisure experiences. This unique blend of history and modernity not only satisfies cultural curiosity but also provides an urban sanctuary where people can reconnect with history while enjoying contemporary city life—offering a cultural oasis amid the fast-paced rhythm of modern living.
Commercial Renewal
Creating a "Cultural Salon for the City" and Redefining Unique Retail Excellence
As a pioneering venture within China Overseas Uni Commerce's new product line, Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang represents a bold exploration into the realm of non-standard retail, marking a strategic milestone in the brand's rapid expansion across Beijing. Currently, the project has achieved an impressive 85% occupancy rate, with a diverse lineup of first-store concepts injecting fresh dynamism into its commercial landscape. These distinguished brands, among many others, enrich Daji Xiang's retail ecosystem, reinforcing its role as a pioneering commercial landmark.
Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang is designed as a "Cultural Salon for the City", covering a total area of 360,000 square meters, with 80,000 square meters of commercial space and 12,000 square meters of urban forest greenery. Positioned as the epicenter of cultural consumption in Xicheng, the project seamlessly integrates history, elite social experiences, and a vibrant urban lifestyle.
"As one of the few courtyard-style retail districts in China, Daji Xiang is strategically located in the heart of Xuan'nan culture, with rich historical and cultural resources but no dominant commercial district nearby—giving it vast potential," noted Gao Yang, a key project representative. Capitalizing on its prime location and affluent customer base, Daji Xiang is set to drive urban renewal by showcasing China's cultural richness and economic vitality to the world. In doing so, it will enhance Beijing's international influence while maximizing the commercial value and consumer potential of Xicheng, reshaping the region's commercial landscape.
Daji Xiang's meticulous planning extends beyond retail—it is designed as a holistic urban lifestyle hub. The 80,000-square-meter retail space offers a diverse mix of fashion, dining, and leisure experiences. High-end fashion flagship stores cater to style-conscious consumers, while a specialty dining street brings together authentic Beijing snacks and global cuisine, creating a gourmet paradise for food lovers. Here, Beijing's rich cultural heritage meets the modern urban lifestyle, blending seamlessly to create a dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation. The result is a compelling vision of a city where history and contemporary living coexist in perfect harmony.
Green & Ecological
Low-Carbon Infrastructure Empowering a "City's Green Lung"
Through its "Urban Infrastructure Renewal Initiative," China Overseas Daji Xiang integrates a smart underground utility corridor, eliminating risks associated with water, electricity, and sewage systems while significantly enhancing urban living convenience. This corridor, often referred to as the "central nervous system of the city," leverages digital modeling for optimized energy distribution and intelligent operations, delivering low-carbon solutions to the historic district.
One of the project's standout features is its 12,000-square-meter green landscape, a rarity within Beijing's Second Ring Road. The space is thoughtfully designed with five distinctive gardens, including the "Low-Carbon Garden Amphitheater" and the "Forest Terrace", seamlessly blending traditional hutong aesthetics with modern green technology to form a breathing ecological network. For example, the rooftop gardens are equipped with rainwater harvesting systems that efficiently collect and repurpose water resources. Native and low-maintenance plant species enhance the environment while reducing energy consumption and upkeep costs. Additionally, the project incorporates pocket parks, courtyards, and shaded walkways, fostering vibrant social spaces where elderly residents can bask in the sun and children can play freely—reviving the essence of traditional Chinese neighborhood life. This dual emphasis on ecology and human-centered design positions China Overseas Daji Xiang as a green landmark along Beijing's central axis, offering an urban oasis that is walkable, restful, and breathable. It not only provides residents with a high-quality living environment but also serves as a model for sustainable urban development, showcasing how nature and culture can harmoniously coexist.
Beyond Daji Xiang, the China Overseas Financial Center—an iconic office complex in the vicinity—also exemplifies innovation in sustainable urban planning. As the only new TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) complex within Beijing's Second Ring Road, this seven-building development is designed to be a world-class commercial landmark. Notably, Tower 1 integrates 18 cutting-edge low-carbon technologies, focusing on passive design for energy reduction, active efficiency enhancements, carbon-neutral energy solutions, and sustainable construction methods. The building achieves a 63% intrinsic energy-saving rate, 81% overall energy efficiency, and 68% renewable energy utilization, surpassing near-zero energy standards. It is built to meet the Three-Star Green Building, LEED Gold, and WELL Gold certifications, setting a new benchmark for carbon-neutral architecture. Come to Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang, where you can trace the textures of history with your own hands in the quaint courtyards, experiencing the vibrant warmth of intangible cultural heritage. In the premium business spaces, engage in inspiring conversations with industry elites, embracing the thrill of intellectual exchange. Wander through the trendy shopping district, where you'll encounter fashionable finds and indulge your desire for style. Or, immerse yourself in the lush urban forest, letting nature's embrace wash away the fatigue and distractions of daily life. Beijing China Overseas Daji Xiang is more than just a commercial project—it is a grand invitation to culture, life, and nature. Every landscape and every business embodies a vision for a better way of living. We look forward to co-authoring a beautiful chapter with each and every visitor—a story of city, culture, and life.
Source | Beijing Fabu, via Xicheng Beijing
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan
