Qianmen renovation: Gateway to prosperity

In all, 17,000 meters of pipeline was installed to carry public utilities that meet the needs of both residents and businesses.

 

Seven major streets were also renovated, with the revamped Qianmen Street officially opened to the public in May 2008 as a city landmark to attract visitors during the Beijing Olympic Games.

 

Renovation of the entire area was completed in 2009. This year, a gourmet street and a Taiwan commercial zone were added as attractions for both shoppers and tourists.

 

As one of the most traditional areas of Beijing, Qianmen Street has gathered together many time-honored business operations that exemplify Chinese business wisdom.

 

Thirteen traditional brands including Quanjude and Bianyifang - both renowned for roast duck - have resumed business along the street. Twenty-two others such as shoemaker Neiliansheng and tea dealer Wuyutai have also opened at Qianmen.

The traditional businesses are now mainly located on the northern block between the dining street Xianyukou and Zhengyang Gate watchtower.

 

To preserve the traditional style, planners mandated that most businesses along Qianmen Street should be old-style Chinese businesses. They now account for more than 70 percent of operations along the street, with foreign brands comprising less than 30 percent.

 

To add further support, a foundation for the area's time-honored brands was started in 2008 that will receive more than 10 million yuan from the district government annually.

 

The 35 old brands on Qianmen Street today also enjoy lowered rents or are even exempt from property management fees that would normally total as much as 60 million yuan.

 

As well, the local government encourages brands to apply for intangible cultural heritage status to enhance protection of their intellectual property rights and become better known.

 

After the renovation, sales by the old brands surged. Since the street officially reopened in 2008, their revenues have generated 30 percent of the area's total.

 

The Quanjude roast duck restaurant now receives 2,000 guests every day that generate 450,000 yuan in sales, 25 percent more than before the renovation work began.

 

Qianmen Street currently hosts 150,000 tourists and local shoppers every day.

 

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