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Daji Xiang
Daji Xiang
Beijing, China
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Other Projects by Lead8
Daji Xiang
Beijing, China
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2025
SIZE
500,000 sqft - 1,000,000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
Designing an Urban Renewal Precinct in Beijing’s Historic Core
Daji Xiang is a landmark urban renewal project located in the heart of Beijing’s Xicheng District, in the capital’s historic core.
This project is one of the first major initiatives following the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Beijing’s Central Axis, reflecting a careful balance between preserving cultural heritage and meeting modern urban needs. Occupying a rare and valuable urban space, the site of Daji Xiang was once home to the famous Chinese scholar Kang Youwei.
Respecting Tradition Through Design
Covering a total of 360,000 square metres, with 50,000 square metres dedicated to commercial uses and 12,000 square metres of green space, Daji Xiang is thoughtfully integrated within the dense urban fabric of the Second Ring Road. Lead8’s role focused on shaping the retail environment and interior spaces to create a welcoming, functional, and contemporary experience that respects the site’s historic context.
Lead8’s philosophy was to design retail and interior spaces that feel connected to Beijing’s rich history while providing an engaging environment for today’s visitors. Working closely with the wider project team, Lead8 ensured the designs complemented the overall vision for a lively, sustainable urban quarter.
A Central Gathering Place
The project draws inspiration from Beijing’s traditional courtyard layouts, organising the commercial complex into a series of interconnected streets, squares and pocket parks. Lead8’s design approach carefully reinterpreted local architectural elements, using modern materials and techniques to create spaces that feel familiar yet contemporary.
The retail streets were structured to continue the scale and rhythm of traditional courtyards, creating a sense of continuity with the architecture of the past. Inside, the commercial areas are open and inviting, with interiors that balance warmth and functionality.
The layout of Daji Xiang is organised along an east-west axis that links the historic neighbourhoods to the west with the bustling commercial areas to the east, while also incorporating a sunken courtyard below ground level. This design approach creates a layered experience where visitors can move seamlessly between different atmospheres, reflecting Beijing’s seasonal climate and evolving urban character.
At the heart of Daji Xiang is a central commercial space designed to be a vibrant gathering point. Its architecture draws on traditional building forms to create an area of focus for the development. Water features and media art installations transform the area into a three-dimensional stage that innovates the concept of a city living room.
A Sense of Discovery
The design of Daji Xiang is rich with subtle details that invite discovery and encourage visitors to engage more deeply with their surroundings. Throughout the retail streets and courtyards, traditional architectural elements such as brickwork, roof tiles, and wooden structures are thoughtfully reinterpreted and integrated into modern materials and forms. Hidden corners reveal delicate craftsmanship and playful features, like the gentle curves inspired by traditional eaves, that create a sense of rhythm and movement as visitors explore the space.
Lead8’s inspiration comes from the flowing curves and intricate details of traditional architecture. By reimagining these elements as continuous, rhythmic lines throughout the interiors and retail spaces, Lead8 creates environments that feel alive and dynamic. It’s a way to honour history while crafting a modern, engaging experience that surprises and delights visitors at every turn.
A Model for Sustainable Urban Renewal
Since its opening in May 2025, Daji Xiang has exemplified how urban renewal can respect cultural heritage while embracing sustainability and modern commercial needs. Daji Xiang is a testament to sensitive design that honours history, supports community, and looks to the future.
Daji Xiang is a landmark urban renewal project located in the heart of Beijing’s Xicheng District, in the capital’s historic core.
This project is one of the first major initiatives following the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Beijing’s Central Axis, reflecting a careful balance between preserving cultural heritage and meeting modern urban needs. Occupying a rare and valuable urban space, the site of Daji Xiang was once home to the famous Chinese scholar Kang Youwei.
Respecting Tradition Through Design
Covering a total of 360,000 square metres, with 50,000 square metres dedicated to commercial uses and 12,000 square metres of green space, Daji Xiang is thoughtfully integrated within the dense urban fabric of the Second Ring Road. Lead8’s role focused on shaping the retail environment and interior spaces to create a welcoming, functional, and contemporary experience that respects the site’s historic context.
Lead8’s philosophy was to design retail and interior spaces that feel connected to Beijing’s rich history while providing an engaging environment for today’s visitors. Working closely with the wider project team, Lead8 ensured the designs complemented the overall vision for a lively, sustainable urban quarter.
A Central Gathering Place
The project draws inspiration from Beijing’s traditional courtyard layouts, organising the commercial complex into a series of interconnected streets, squares and pocket parks. Lead8’s design approach carefully reinterpreted local architectural elements, using modern materials and techniques to create spaces that feel familiar yet contemporary.
The retail streets were structured to continue the scale and rhythm of traditional courtyards, creating a sense of continuity with the architecture of the past. Inside, the commercial areas are open and inviting, with interiors that balance warmth and functionality.
The layout of Daji Xiang is organised along an east-west axis that links the historic neighbourhoods to the west with the bustling commercial areas to the east, while also incorporating a sunken courtyard below ground level. This design approach creates a layered experience where visitors can move seamlessly between different atmospheres, reflecting Beijing’s seasonal climate and evolving urban character.
At the heart of Daji Xiang is a central commercial space designed to be a vibrant gathering point. Its architecture draws on traditional building forms to create an area of focus for the development. Water features and media art installations transform the area into a three-dimensional stage that innovates the concept of a city living room.
A Sense of Discovery
The design of Daji Xiang is rich with subtle details that invite discovery and encourage visitors to engage more deeply with their surroundings. Throughout the retail streets and courtyards, traditional architectural elements such as brickwork, roof tiles, and wooden structures are thoughtfully reinterpreted and integrated into modern materials and forms. Hidden corners reveal delicate craftsmanship and playful features, like the gentle curves inspired by traditional eaves, that create a sense of rhythm and movement as visitors explore the space.
Lead8’s inspiration comes from the flowing curves and intricate details of traditional architecture. By reimagining these elements as continuous, rhythmic lines throughout the interiors and retail spaces, Lead8 creates environments that feel alive and dynamic. It’s a way to honour history while crafting a modern, engaging experience that surprises and delights visitors at every turn.
A Model for Sustainable Urban Renewal
Since its opening in May 2025, Daji Xiang has exemplified how urban renewal can respect cultural heritage while embracing sustainability and modern commercial needs. Daji Xiang is a testament to sensitive design that honours history, supports community, and looks to the future.
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