More than 1,600 companies from Beijing are participating in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai this week, advancing the capital's commitment to building itself into an international consumption center.

The Beijing trade delegation set up a 360-square-meter exhibit dedicated to the city's strategies for developing its consumption hub, with a prominent display spotlighting Chaoyang district in CIIE's People-to-People Exchanges section.

The exhibit's centerpiece, titled "Meet Beijing: Vibrant Chaoyang", uses three curved LED screens to create an immersive look at the district's economic pulse, featuring scenes from the Central Business District to popular destinations like Sanlitun and Solana.

Another segment, "Meet the New Waterfront Life," vividly reconstructs the nightlife and waterside economy along the Liangma River, highlighting Chaoyang's success in transforming public spaces.

Since Beijing began its push to become an international consumption center, Chaoyang district has opened 31 commercial projects, adding nearly 1.8 million square meters of retail space. With more than 100 commercial complexes, the district accounts for almost half of the city's leading business areas and nightlife landmarks.

Beijing's presence at CIIE also features traditional heritage alongside modern innovation. Time-honored brands such as Caibai Jewelry, Maolong and Zhang Yiyuan teahouse are exhibiting alongside new consumer brands like toy company 52Toys, underlining the integration of tradition and contemporary culture that defines the capital's market.

Several Beijing districts are also leveraging the CIIE for investment promotion. Haidian district, for example, held a promotional session highlighting its technology, policy advantages and business environment. The district attracted 372 foreign-funded enterprises in 2024, marking the seventh consecutive year it led the city in utilizing foreign capital — a clear indicator that the capital's tech prowess remains a major draw for global investment.