Alongside these retail upgrades, policies aimed at improving the shopping experience for foreign tourists are also playing a pivotal role. Simplified tax refund processes and expanded visa-free access have been key drivers in boosting inbound consumption.

"Over the past year, consumption by tourists from Southeast Asia, South Korea, Russia and Central Asia at Taikoo Li Sanlitun has grown noticeably," Ma said. This surge in inbound shoppers is particularly evident during peak periods such as holidays and year-end vacations.

Data show that the number of tourists from Russia and Central Asia visiting the area has risen by 30-40 percent year-on-year, as well as those from Southeast Asia, with their demand for both luxury products and high-quality retail services pushing the commercial sector to new standards of excellence, Ma added.

This new wave of purchasing power is not limited to luxury brands. It extends to mass market labels like Uniqlo and duty-free shops, signaling a broader appeal for China's retail ecosystem. The influx of international tourists has sparked a revitalization of the sector, benefiting both high-end and everyday consumer goods.

Sun Shuguang, secretary of the Sanlitun Subdistrict party, said:"The renewal of Taikoo Li Sanlitun not only enhances its own quality, but also drives the high-quality development of the entire Sanlitun area. We aim to foster closer government-enterprise collaboration to jointly create a more international Sanlitun."

This model is taking shape through various initiatives, such as improving payment convenience for international visitors, introducing multilingual services and offering culturally tailored dining experiences.

"We're making the area more accessible for tourists, from expanding the acceptance of international credit cards to offering multilingual menus and more diverse dining options," Ma said.

Additionally, commercial real estate operators are partnering with international brands to create localized experiences for foreign tourists. For example, Thai key opinion leaders (KOLs) have been invited for promotional events in Beijing, driving "reverse content output" to amplify the global appeal of the district.

"We believe that in the city's commercial sector, 'the more local, the more international'," said Han Zhi, director of retail business at Swire Properties, parent company of the Taikoo Li.

"When a commercial project truly becomes part of the city's fabric and integrates into the daily lives of local residents, it naturally appeals to global consumers as well. Our commitment to ensuring that no two cities have the same retail offerings makes each of our projects a unique force in driving urban development," Han said.

The aim is for each shopping district to not just serve as a consumer destination, but also become an essential part of the city's urban fabric, seamlessly blending with local life while attracting global interest, said the company.

The rise of "Shopping in China" is more than just about luxury goods — it's about creating an immersive, culturally enriched experience that appeals to both domestic and international consumers alike.

As Taikoo Li Sanlitun and other commercial hubs in the city continue to evolve, they are setting the standard for what the future of retail can look like — not just in China, but around the world.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn