As Beijing started expanding rapidly in the early 1990’s, Wangfujing was losing some of its appeal to newer suburban shopping areas. In response, plans were launched to revitalise the area. In 1998, Beijing Sun Dong An Plaza opened, transforming customer experiences. The premier Oriental Plaza complex, facing onto Chang’an Avenue followed in 2001. Meanwhile the street was pedestrianised which certainly boosted its popularity. WF CENTRAL representing a splendid addition to Wangfujing’s renewal and growing attraction.

Wangfujing was busy every day during the holiday, helped by the recent opening of new metro station entrances at both ends of the pedestrianized section of the street. It was a great time for people watching, whether it be children enjoying an ice cream or young adults queuing for coffee and pastries at an iconic French van now transformed into a small bistro. Meanwhile, the longer established malls have been transformed considerably since they first opened more than 20 years ago. Crowds were heading into them for shopping or seeking out the many dining experiences on offer. My feeling was most people I saw were Beijingers who, like me, were spending this period in the city. It was a time for me also to reflect on how people’s lifestyles have changed since I first saw Wangfujing in 1994. Such malls, restaurants, fashions simply did not exist then - it was almost like looking at a very different world today!