Beijing has accelerated its transformation into a premier international consumption center by rolling out diverse shopping scenarios, upgrading historic commercial landmarks and expanding high-level institutional opening-up to inject new vitality into the broader economy, officials said.
The Ministry of Commerce is currently prioritizing the integration of improving people's livelihoods with consumption stimulation measures through a dual-drive approach of supportive policies and dynamic activities, continuously building the "Shopping in China" brand to upgrade market structure.
"We are driving the structural upgrade of the consumer market by launching a series of vibrant campaigns to stimulate fresh market vitality," said Yuan Xiaoming, assistant minister of commerce.
"This strong momentum is clearly reflected in our robust figures. In 2025, Beijing welcomed 5.48 million inbound tourists, marking a 39 percent year-on-year increase, while household services consumption accounted for 59.3 percent of per capita expenditures, surpassing the national average by 13 percentage points."
Yuan said the Chinese capital has already established over 1,800 tax-free stores for foreign visitors and introduced more than 4,600 "first stores" of various domestic and international brands.
This consumption drive aligns seamlessly with broader national strategies to stabilize and optimize foreign investment during the crucial opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).
Tang Song, deputy director of the investment promotion agency of the Ministry of Commerce, highlighted the country's enduring appeal to global capital.
"Just last month, the ministry released an action plan featuring pragmatic measures such as relaxing market access and enhancing investment convenience to boost the confidence of foreign enterprises," Tang said.
Tang also said that during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, China's actual use of foreign capital reached an impressive $708.73 billion, with outward investment growing at an annual rate of over 5 percent.
These figures comprehensively prove that China remains a fertile oasis for foreign investment and a core engine for global economic cooperation, he said.
Tang added that the ministry is focusing on the "Invest in China", "Export to China" and "Shopping in China" campaigns to share the country's megamarket advantages with the world.
He praised Beijing's leading role as a window for global observers, particularly its steady expansion of institutional opening-up in technology, the digital economy and financial services.
To translate these macro strategies into tangible consumer experiences, Beijing is actively curating new business formats and immersive retail scenarios across the city.
Piao Xuedong, director general of Beijing's municipal commerce bureau, introduced an updated list of emerging commercial landmarks that are reshaping the city's retail landscape.
These range from the culturally rich Longfu market, which seamlessly blends historical residences with modern shopping, to modern entertainment hubs such as the Sanlitun Taikoo Li North area.
To truly experience the dynamic summer season in Beijing, consumers need to immerse themselves in these innovative formats and scenarios, Piao said.
Looking ahead, Beijing has a robust pipeline of megaprojects designed to cement its status as a global consumption hub over the next one to two years.
Piao added that upcoming developments include an iQIYI park and the Chinese mainland's first Taikoo Place.
Furthermore, Asia's largest indoor children's playground, Apex Park is also on the horizon.
"These upcoming projects — integrating retail, culture, sports and exhibitions — will soon be unveiled to consumers, offering unprecedented, high-quality commercial experiences and further elevating the city's global appeal," Piao said.