Beijing has just welcomed a new wave of first stores that are unique, fun, and full of surprises. These stores range from a giant Miniso that gathers global IPs, to the world's fourth-largest WOF store. There's even a grilled fish spot where customers are still lining up at 1 a.m. for a taste, and a Sichuan restaurant with a charming panda theme. For those who love hotpot, there's a place where you can experience "dining in the palace." And let's not forget the LEGO flagship store that captures the essence of Beijing. If you're in the mood for something new and exciting, check out these shops for a great time, good food, and amazing shopping!

01 MINISO LAND Beijing Flagship Store

MINISO LAND's flagship store in Beijing officially opened this year at THE BOX. With over 1,000 square meters spread across two floors, it brings together more than 40 global top IPs, including Harry Potter, Disney, and Sanrio. It's incredibly fun to explore and, even more so, a must-visit for shopping—no one can leave empty-handed!

The Harry Potter collaboration products are a fan's dream, featuring exquisite items like love potion keychains, tote bags with earphone pouches, transparent card charms, and adorable bear plushies from the wizarding school. Perfect for every Potterhead!

There are also the cutest Chikawa babies, neatly sitting in a row, melting hearts with their cuteness.

And if you're a fan of Hello Kitty, get ready to be swept away by a sea of Kitty-themed products, including plush toys, mirrors, mugs, and keychains. It's a paradise for anyone with a soft spot for all things pink and adorable!

But that's not all—MINISO LAND Beijing Flagship Store is also the official theme store for Black Myth: Wukong. Inside, you'll find exclusive Black Myth: Wukong items like the gourd-shaped crossbody bag, game-themed badges, and even plush toys of Wukong and Zhu Bajie. The moment you step in, you're transported right into the world of the game!

Location: 12 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie (St), THE BOX

02 Jordan's First Flight Flagship Store in China

The Jordan World of Flight Beijing Store has landed in Taikoo Li North, marking the brand's fourth World of Flight store globally, following Milan, Tokyo, and Seoul. It is also the first flight-themed flagship store in China and the largest and most distinctive World of Flight store worldwide.

This four-story standalone building blends the essence of Beijing with Jordan's brand traditions. The first floor features a unique "Jing brick" floor, inspired by the iconic tiles from the Forbidden City.

On the second floor, the Flight Workshop offers personalized customization, showcasing a variety of patterns. Some of the designs include "BJ" and "BEIJING" representing the city, along with the store's geographic coordinates. You can get these patterns printed on clothing, add your favorite badges to shoes, and even personalize your shoe box!

The third floor is the largest area of the store, offering a wide range of products to explore.

Location: No.11, Sanlitun Lu (Rd), Taikoo Li North, Chaoyang

03 Kaojiang Spicy Grilled Fish Beijing First Store

If you ask what the hottest restaurant in Beijing is right now, Kaojiang at Chaoyang Hopson One is likely the answer for many consumers.

Since opening in September last year, Kaojiang's grilled fish has been a hit, with the restaurant maintaining high popularity. On some days, it has reached a staggering 2,894 reservations, and it's common to see customers waiting for a table at 1 a.m. People even travel from nearby cities like Tianjin just to taste it!

Hailing from the Sichuan-Chongqing region, Kaojiang's signature dish is its spicy grilled fish.

In addition to the classic spicy flavor, the restaurant also offers a garlic-flavored grilled fish, perfect for families with children, and the second-best-selling jade green pepper grilled fish. Other popular items include the silky tofu and black pepper pork neck skewers.

Given the constant crowds at the first store, Kaojiang opened its second location at the Xizhimen CapitaLand Mall this January. The second store operates until 2 a.m., offering another late-night option for grilled fish lovers.

Locations:

First Store: 21st Block, B1 Floor, Hopson One, Chaoyang

Second Store: 6th Floor, CapitaLand Mall, Xizhimen, Xicheng

04 Meizhou Dongpo's First Panda-Themed Restaurant

Calling all panda fans! Meizhou Dongpo's first panda-themed restaurant has opened on the 6th floor of Mixc in Xibeiwang Town.

The panda-themed restaurant offers an immersive experience with panda-themed spaces and products that bring the beloved creature to life.

The menu is packed with panda-inspired dishes like Panda Dongpo Pork, Panda Paw Fish Tofu, Panda Rice Dumplings, Panda Ice Dumplings with Tofu, and Panda Leaf Ice Jelly—full of panda love, these dishes are sure to capture your heart!

There are also special dishes for kids, including adorable treats like Panda Cream Bread, Panda Red Bean Buns, and Minion Tomato Beef Pasta. Cute, delicious, and fun!

P.S. Meizhou Dongpo has opened a second panda-themed restaurant at Winland International, so now you have more options for your panda dining experience.

Locations:

Mixc Restaurant: Shops L619 & L620, Mixc, Haidian

Winland International Restaurant: 2nd Floor, Winland International Shopping Center, 32 Xizhimen Beidajie (St), Haidian

05 Haidilao's First Palace-Themed Custom Store

Want to experience hotpot in a palace setting? Haidilao's first-ever Palace-themed custom store lets you enjoy the pleasure of dining like ancient royalty.

Inspired by the red walls, yellow roofs, and sloping eaves of the Forbidden City's northern courtyard, the store seamlessly blends traditional architectural elements with modern dining space. This creates an immersive, culturally-rich dining experience that transports you to the grandeur of ancient China.

The store also features a special scenic terrace where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Forbidden City's northern courtyard.

Location: 5F-20/21, Building 1, No. 8 Daniufang 2 Xiang (Alley), Haidian

06 "Beijing Charm Tour" LEGO Flagship Store

The first LEGO flagship store in North China, themed "Beijing Charm Tour," has opened at JOY CITY. This store uses creative combinations of LEGO elements to showcase scenes filled with the unique charm of Beijing.

The 2.5D exterior features a stunning display window with cool fireworks effects at night. On both sides of the Jingyun Corridor, you'll find distinctive figurine paintings that perfectly capture Beijing's vibe.

Be sure to check out the exclusive 3D LEGO figures, such as the bird-walking grandpa, the alley craftsman, the candied hawthorn vendor, and the bicycle girl—truly one-of-a-kind Beijing-themed models that you can't miss!

There's also a mini-figure customization workshop where you can personalize your own LEGO mini-figure in a Beijing-exclusive style.

Location: 2nd Floor, JOY CITY, No.131, Xidan Beidajie (St), Xicheng

Translator: BAI Jing

Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan