Beijing's business hub takes on new image

Services in the CBD are steadily diversifying. For example, the food and beverage sector accounts for 21 percent of business at the New China World Mall.

"As a retail destination, the CBD is more exciting today than ever," Yang said. "There are plenty of options here from yoga to karaoke. Along with abundant luxury brands, shoppers can also find indie designer brands. As landlords and retailers in the CBD continue to work together, the environment will become more vibrant."

According to research by Jones Lang LaSalle, by the end of 2016 about 400,000 people were working in the district.

When the new phase of the China World Trade Center started its trial run in the first quarter of last year, James Hawkey, JLL's head of retail for China, said: "The CBD lacked entertainment services such as karaoke or bars. The third phase of the China World Trade Center will fill that gap and stand out among other malls."

"The area will add more options for nightlife and entertainment, and will be able to fulfill the consumption needs of the large number of CBD office employees. Such a change will make the area more competitive."