Beijing Design Week and Guangan Holding present Dashilar Alley:

Events throughout historic Dashilar will shed new light on an old district

Beijing Design Week and Guangan Holding, a state-owned real estate developer, are pleased to present Dashilar Alley, one of the key hubs of activity during Beijing Design Week.

Located around the Qianmen area, bordering Tiananmen Square, Dashilar is the heart of Old Beijing. For centuries it was the commercial, social and cultural centre of the city, and the still visible traces of this status make it unique in the capital today. However, in more recent eras, the conditions of Dashilar have declined considerably. The area is in need of a renewal, but one that can preserve and respect its authentic essence.

Occupying spaces throughout the district, Dashilar Alley will feature approximately twenty exhibitions and events from around the world, supplemented by talks, workshops and other activities. Concentrated on and around the historic commercial street of Dashilar Xijie, empty storefronts and other spaces will be taken over by artist installations and temporary cafes, alongside pop-up shops from leading brands and independent boutiques; while exhibitions in the former electrical relay factory will showcase the work of young talents from China and abroad.

The project aims to bring a renewed public awareness of Dashilar , in the hope to transform the area in a more sensitive, organic way.  Beijing’s creative community will be called to the neighbourhood whilst respecting, and engaging with the local residents and the area’s historic buildings.

The soft opening of Dashilar Alley will be September 16, when many of the pop-up shops will open for business. Full-on programs of events and exhibitions will follow during Beijing Design Week, from September 26 to October 3. A media preview day is scheduled for September 25.