Design week spotlights Dashila'r revival effort

Dashila'r, one of Beijing's oldest alleyway communities, will launch a new revival program called Plug-In Stations this year. The project encourages the design, art, performance and retail communities to join in the revival of the old neighborhood.

One of the oldest shopping areas in Beijing, Dashila'r dates back more than 500 years; today it struggles with its dated infrastructure and aging community. The project will be showcased from Sept 25 to Oct 3 as part of the Beijing Design Week, an annual weeklong event that celebrates the value of design and design talents in China.

Creative pop-up shops and spaces will be set up on the street in Dashila'r by designers, artists, performers and craftsmen to regenerate the community. Restaurateurs and retailers can take part as well. One Plug-In Station will be around 20 square meters, and all the stations will have a standard visual image and be promoted as a whole.