From VIP Shopping to Matcha Lattes: A Cultural Makeover
Remember when your parents talked about 'luxury' meaning a rare imported chocolate bar? The Beijing Friendship Store was once *the* place for such treasures 🍫. Built in the 1960s, this state-run gem catered to diplomats and elites with goods unavailable elsewhere. But as China’s economy boomed, its neon-lit aisles fell quiet… until now.
Bubble Tea Meets Brutalist Architecture ☕
Walk into the revamped complex today, and you’ll find indie coffee shops brewing Yunnan beans beside original marble columns. Millennial entrepreneurs run pop-up stores selling vinyl records and AI-designed streetwear. ‘It’s like time-traveling with WiFi,’ says local blogger @CapitalVibes, snapping selfies in the retro-chic food hall.
Why Gen Z Loves the New/Old Space
Beyond the aesthetics, the store’s revival reflects Beijing’s push to blend heritage with innovation. ‘Young people crave authenticity,’ explains retail analyst Li Wei. ‘They want spaces that tell stories—not just another mall.’ With weekend DJ sets and art installations, the Friendship Store is becoming a canvas for China’s creative class 🎨.
What’s Next?
As CGTN’s Lyne Lin reports, plans include a rooftop garden and VR exhibitions about the store’s history. One thing’s clear: This isn’t your grandma’s shopping destination anymore. 🚀
