Beijing's business hub takes on new image

Office changes

As modern technology reshapes how people work, office space is changing, too.

Such changes are making the CBD more attractive for Beijing's startups and small businesses.

Cheng Ziheng, senior director of co-working brand KrSpace, which has two properties in the CBD and many others in cities nationwide, said, "I grew up in Beijing and used to commute through the CBD to school every day.

"Back then, the first phase of the China World Trade Center was the only large building in the area. The offices mainly housed foreign companies, because no one else could afford such high rents.

"Years ago, you would never have thought that Wi-Fi would work faster than a cable connection. Large rooms were needed to store paper files, and people had to fax, copy and print the files constantly, so a company needed more space."

But the way people work has changed. More and more offices are adopting a paperless environment. Files are written, sent and stored online. With just a laptop, a desk and a chair, the modern office employee can work anywhere.

Such a change means less space is required. More businesses, especially small ones, are able to rent an office in the CBD, which can bring great opportunities for companies such as Cheng's.

At KrSpace, a four-person office space costs about 14,000 yuan a month, about the same for other office buildings in the area.

"But it will help you save a lot of money, because you don't have to start from nothing, as in a traditional office space," Cheng said.

"In a shared office, you don't need to worry about the facilities, as we offer everything, including the reception area, break rooms, office equipment and lounges.

"You can rent conference rooms by the hour, unlike in a traditional office, where companies have to rent the space continually even if they don't use it very often."