WF CENTRAL introduces a dynamic and attractive array of renowned international brands, including many for the first time in China.
BEIJING – Leading developer Hongkong Land announced that its premium lifestyle retail destination, WF CENTRAL, a world-class, 150,000 sq. m. retail, fine dining and hospitality hub in Wangfujing, in the centre of Dongcheng District, will open, as part of a soft launch from Tuesday, 28th November.
“WF CENTRAL represents a wholly unique retail and lifestyle experience in the heart of Beijing,” said Mr Raymond Chow, Executive Director of Hongkong Land. “It has been envisaged as a Beijing landmark of quality living by engaging, connecting and building community through a considered curation of art and cultural activity and experiential lifestyle.”
“As an iconic centre-piece of the ongoing transformation of Dongcheng District, WF CENTRAL is well poised to meet the needs of China’s next-generation of consumers and stands as testament to Hongkong Land’s ability to transform communities with diverse, sophisticated and attractive developments.”
WF CENTRAL sets a new benchmark for retail and lifestyle through its FIVE Core categories. Each category offers unmatched experiences namely: Luxury; Fashion; World-class Gastronomy; Lifestyle & Wellness; and Art & Culture.
Mr Raymond Chow, Executive Director of Hongkong Land, announced the soft-opening date of WF CENTRAL, a world-class premium lifestyle retail destination in Wangfujing, in the centre of Dongcheng District, Beijing
Luxury & Fashion
Prestigious luxury brands opening in November include Chopard, Jimmy Choo, Longchamp, Moschino, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tory Burch along with the very first Yves Salomon boutique in China. They will be closely followed by further openings of premium international brands, including Chaumet, FENDI, GUCCI, IWC, Loewe, Moynat, Prada, Saint Laurent, TOD’s and Vacheron Constantin, together with Beijing’s first R. Sanderson store.
“Saint Laurent is very pleased to extend the partnership with Hongkong Land from Hong Kong to Beijing at WF CENTRAL,” said Mr Marco Vigano, President, Saint Laurent APAC. “We look forward to presenting the first integrated full range Saint Laurent store in Beijing,”
“It is a great honour for us to join this centrally-located new shopping destination in Beijing,” said Ms Ellen Sorensen, Managing Director of Vacheron Constantin China. “The new Vacheron Constantin boutique in WF CENTRAL will extend Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to offer the most exquisite hand-crafted watches and outstanding, personalised client service in China.”
Mr Dennis Lee, Managing Director of IWC (International Watch Company) China said, “IWC is pleased to be opening the brand new boutique in WF CENTRAL, delivering our 150-year-old art of watchmaking and advanced technologies as well as our creative brand culture to customers.”
A collection of the latest exciting contemporary fashion brands, many debuting in Beijing for the first time, include a Victoria’s Secret Asia flagship store set over three floors; a global flagship store for Pandora; and a China flagship store for exciting British contemporary fashion brand Superdry. The soft opening also welcomes Links of London to the city for the very first time.
World-class Gastronomy
An eclectic array of over 23 exciting world-class gastronomy offerings and renowned culinary concepts include the elegantly refined Chinese-cuisine dining experience of Howard’s Gourmet; a Beijing first for high-end yakiniku restaurant, the Michelin-starred KANPAI CLASSIC; Chef Alan Wong’s Californian-styled Japanese restaurant Hatsune; a Beijing debut for acclaimed Canton restaurant Jade Garden; and the introduction to Beijing of CAFE LANDMARK, an iconic luxury dining experience overlooking the WF CENTRAL Atrium.
“CAFE LANDMARK in Hong Kong is one of the most popular restaurants in the heart of Central,” said Mr Martin Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Maxim’s Caterers Limited. “For many years, it is an all-time favourite for socialites and business executives to gather and enjoy a wide range of delicacies day and night. We are excited to bring our signature dishes such as the Boston Lobster Linguine to WF CENTRAL and delight Beijing’s food lovers with a unique ‘see and be seen’ experience.”
“Howard’s Gourmet is excited to open in WF CENTRAL,” said Mr Lawrence Tse, Managing Director, Lai Sun Dining-Asian Division. “We are bringing our unique brand of Chinese fine dining experience to Beijing that will perfectly match the elegant lifestyle of the city.”
Casual dining experiences for the family include a Beijing first for The Cheesecake Factory, with its famed giant portions and namesake dessert; bakery, coffee house and wine market concept Baker&Spice; Tomacado’s upscale comfort food; pop in for a light bite at The Rug Cafe; Tribe, offering organic, healthy fare; Italian pastas and pizzas at Tiago; tasty treats at Frut Actually and Garrett Popcorn Shops; and syphon, hand press or a standard pulled cappuccino from the ‘coffee architects’ at Seesaw Coffee.
Lifestyle & Wellness
A rich assortment of lifestyle and wellness offerings include the first China flagship store for Under Armour; the unique reading cafe and shopping experience of Yan Ji You bookshop; personal pampering at Plurecil, offers the very latest Japanese beauty treatment techniques whilst Parisian-based Laboratories FILORGA brings the advanced single-brand anti-aging experience centre in China for total skin rejuvenation.
An extensive Pure Yoga centre opening in 2018 will appeal to health and fitness devotees, or simply relax and indulge in the art gallery inspired ‘chic’ of Hair Corner’s hair, opening in December.
“WF CENTRAL aims to create and lead the trends of a new premium lifestyle. That’s why Under Armour’s largest brand house in China settles here, reflecting our commitment and confidence in the market“, said Mr Erick Haskell, Managing Director of Under Armour Greater China, “We are committed to offering more innovative products to Chinese consumers, and creating brand new retail experiences by working with real estate giants like WF Central.”
“Hair Corner has 30-years of salon experience in Hong Kong and with Minus+, who have tailor-made a TS20 program on physical care, we will jointly bring customers unique beauty services at WF CENTRAL,” said Hair Corner, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jofee Lee.
Mr Colin Grant, Chief Executive Officer, Pure Group said, “We’re pleased that Pure Group is extending its foothold in mainland China at WF CENTRAL in the nation’s capital city of Beijing. As Asia’s leading lifestyle brand, we are excited to bring our 360 degree lifestyle to Beijing. We look forward to sharing our yoga and fitness expertise in this exciting new community.”
Art & Culture
WF CENTRAL’s design blends into the historic fabric of the Wangfujing District and incorporates a reconstructed Courtyard House, former residence of the princelings Prince Pu Lun and Prince Pu Dong, cousins of the last Qing Emperor Pu Yi, infusing the multi-functional space with a historical dimension.
The Green, located on the West side of the complex, is a large open area that provides visitors with outdoor recreational space to enjoy, ideal for a family day out. Offering inspiring experiences for visitors of all ages, WF CENTRAL will engage, connect and build community through a considered curation of art and cultural creativity and experiential lifestyle.
An opening season of events includes highly prestigious artistic collaborations with renowned international arts bodies with an exciting line-up of exclusive arts exhibitions and installations to be announced shortly.
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Luxurious accommodations
The development also includes the 74-room Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing, which will open later in 2018. Located on the top two floors, the hotel will provide exceptional service and exclusivity for discerning travellers. Featuring two prestigious restaurants and a bar designed to become a destination in itself, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing will offer some of the finest cuisine in the city.
Photo caption: WF CENTRAL is set to offer an authentically-new Beijing lifestyle experience by bringing together an unparalleled range of Luxury, Fashion, World-class Gastronomy, Lifestyle & Wellness and Art & Culture experiences
Angelos is the news editor for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). His role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. He currently studies Communication, Media & Culture in Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens.
