Beijing business district makes room for play

A seven-day lifestyle festival featuring outdoor sports, leisure activities and pop-up brand experiences is taking place at China Central Place in Beijing's central business district from Sept 13 to 19.

Under the theme "Life in Motion", the 2026 China Central Place Lifestyle Festival is transforming plazas, hotel lawns and streets within the complex into temporary spaces for exercise, socializing and leisure, bringing new uses to an area traditionally associated with offices, shopping and business.

The Beijing event links the complex's commercial, office, hotel and public spaces through a program of cultural and lifestyle activities. Events are also being held in Suzhou, Nanjing and Huizhou, with each location incorporating elements inspired by its local environment and community.

In Beijing, the sports program includes yoga, Zumba, urban cycling, functional training, climbing, strength challenges, sound baths and pet yoga. Five sports coaches will also lead master classes.

A fitness challenge on Sept 19 will turn an internal road at China Central Place into a temporary competition venue. Seventy participants will compete in four consecutive events — push-ups, ski erg, farmer's walk and stationary cycling — in a timed team format.

From Sept 16 to 19, an exhibition titled Ideal City will bring together more than 20 brands covering food and beverages, outdoor sports, coffee and tea, cultural products, fragrances, pet-friendly products and interactive technology.

Organizers said the festival aims to explore how public spaces in a major business district can accommodate activities beyond work and consumption, creating opportunities for exercise, social interaction and short breaks in the heart of the city.

The festival is open to the public, while some activities require advance registration.