960+ First Stores Opened! Check This 'Treasure Map of First Stores' along Beijing's Central Axis

During the first eleven months of 2025, Beijing welcomed over 960 new first stores. Among them, eight newcomers along the Central Axis stand out with their distinctive offerings. What makes them so special? Continue reading to find out!

LE LABO FRAGRANCES - Siheyuan Store (World's first LE LABO store in a traditional Beijing courtyard)

The store is located at Courtyard 19 of WF Central, which was the residence of a beizi (an aristocrat) during the Qing Dynasty. LE LABO blends Eastern and Western cultures through its fragrance products. The perfumer's workstation in the main hall draws inspiration from a traditional Chinese herb pharmacy, while the east and west wings display body-care and home-fragrance collections.

Sòng Chao (宋朝香氛) (First store in Beijing)

Bringing Song-style elegance into a hutong in Xicheng District, Sòng Chao has infused various elements of the Jiangnan region, such as Longjing tea and plum branches, into its fragrance products, featuring rich Chinese cultural flair.

The store also offers free tea ceremonies for customers while they test out the fragrances.

GRAFF (First two-story flagship store in China)

British high jeweller GRAFF has opened its first two-story flagship store at WF Central, showcasing the craftsmanship of the master of diamonds. The store maintains the brand's luxurious minimalism, offering private viewing rooms and displaying signature pieces such as the iconic "Butterfly" collection, making it an ideal place for buying gifts (especially for those looking for something different).

Central Axis Gift Shop (中轴礼屋) (First store in Beijing)

As the one and only store featuring the Central Axis-themed souvenirs at Hongqiao Pearl Market, Central Axis Gift Shop integrates iconic Beijing landmarks into the designs of its offerings, such as the Drum and Bell Towers and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. All products are Beijing exclusives, including mortise-and-tenon decorative pieces, silk scarves with the map of the Central Axis, and more - you will find your favorite!

Chengjingyun - Gongting Zhajiangmian (承京运・宫廷炸酱面) (First restaurant in Beijing)

Located at the north entrance of Nanluoguxiang (South Luogu Lane), this restaurant offers a Beijing-themed dining space complete with live jinghu (an instrument) performances.

Its signature Scallion-oil Fried Pork Sauce Noodles (Zhajiangmian) is slow-cooked for four hours with Liubiju's yellow soybean sauce and diced pork belly for a rich, savory flavor. Free noodle and sauce refills are also available.

Chunlun (春伦) (First store in Beijing)

The first store of Chunlun (a time-honored tea producer in Fujian Province) in Beijing opened in the Qianmen Street Intangible Cultural Heritage Zone. Designed with a fusion of traditional tea and modernness, the store offers freshly brewed Jasmine Silver Needle (a high-grade white tea) that fills the space with fragrance. Visitors can also enjoy jasmine-infused ice creams, tea-flavored mung-bean cakes, and more.

Sheng Tang (东方境) (First store in Beijing)

Located in the shopping complex Daji Xiang, the store incorporates intangible cultural heritage techniques - such as Beijing embroidery and Kesi silk weaving - into modern fashion.

From everyday shirts with pankou buttons to gowns with the elements of intangible cultural heritages, the store offers a full range of choices. Guests are also served agarwood tea during their visits.

Ru Shi (如是) (First store in China)

As the brand's first flagship store in China, it brings Michelin-level tea pastries and handmade crafts incorporating the intangible cultural heritage techniques into a traditional courtyard. On a relaxing afternoon, everyone can enjoy a tea meal and experience the warmth and elegance of the Chinese lifestyle aesthetics here.

If you are looking for the unique charms of the capital city, come explore the Beijing Central Axis with this list!

(Source: Beijing Fabu)