China: Beijing turns rooftop spaces into new destinations.

Storyline Beijing turns rooftop spaces into new destinations Everyone knows Beijing from the street. The bustle. The traffic. The crowds. But these days, more people are heading one floor up. This old bookstore has stood in central Beijing for decades. Locals drop by for coffee, reading, or a quiet break. The owner renovated a few years ago to make room for more readers. Wu Wei, manager, Canran Bookstore, Zhonghua Book Company: "Our bookstore was quite small. During a 2023 renovation, we added a rooftop terrace, expanding the space from 130 to 260 square meters." Yu Bokun, Reporter: "Hidden in one of Beijing's busiest neighborhoods, this bookstore has found an unexpected attraction, its second-floor terrace." The terrace now hosts reading sessions, flower-arranging workshops, and small events, attracting a whole new crowd. Liu Jun, Founder, Canran Flower Studio: "With the breeze outside, you feel much closer to nature." Jiang Xiaoxiao, Consumer: "It's definitely a different atmosphere from being inside. Sitting here and looking out at the historic buildings just feels wonderful." Yu Bokun, Reporter: "Beijing's famous landmarks aren't going anywhere. What's changing is how the city is using its existing space. Terraces like that are giving visitors a fresh experience—while creating new business models for local shops." From bookstores to restaurants, terraces are breathing new life into old spaces. In a city where every square meter counts, even a rooftop can become a destination in its own right. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]