Discover UP TOWN: Beijing's Latest Hotspot

The new and vibrant Wangfujing Outlets UP TOWN, a creative makeover of the former Aegean Sea Shopping Park, has just welcomed shoppers in the bustling Jiugong area of Daxing district. This cool spot marks the third location under the Wangfujing Outlet umbrella in Beijing, joining the ranks of Beijing Scitech More Outlets and Beijing Yansha Outlet.

Designed with the younger crowd in mind, UP TOWN brings together a lively mix of retail shops, eateries, family entertainment, and wellness services. On our visit, we noticed that a few stores were still sprinkling on the finishing touches, but with phase one open for business, we couldn't resist diving into the scene to uncover what this place has in store.

Beiping Ice Factory

Perched on the third floor of UP TOWN, Beiping Ice Factory stirs up nostalgia with a history dating back to 1936, tied to the famous Beibingyang company. If you've spent enough time in Beijing, the name "beibingyang" probably rings a bell — the iconic fizzy, citrus drink that's a staple at every local's dining table.

But Beiping Ice Factory offers a sweet repertoire beyond just beverages; here, you can indulge in an array of ice cream varieties, fresh fruity bread, cookies, mousse cakes, and traditional Beijing-style yogurt served in classic porcelain jars. Now with winter upon us, they're even showcasing a selection of warm concoctions, like a sesame drink with a sprinkling of shredded coconut.

Beiping Ice Factory 北平制冰厂（王府井奥莱店）
Address: Wangfujing Outlet UPTOWN 3F, Daxing District
大兴区王府井奥莱UPTOWN 3层
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 131 3698 1013

Yipinyuyue Roast Fish

Venture up to the fourth floor, and you'll hit Yipinyue Roast Fish, a gem that's journeyed all the way from Shenyang to win over the palates of Beijing's food lovers. As the brand's first outpost in the capital, its reputation precedes it — fans of the roast fish from Shenyang are willing to line up for an hour just for a taste of this delicacy, so you know it's got to be good. Choose from a plethora of roast fish flavors, whether you crave savory, sour, or spicy. And the pairing options don't stop there; why not add some fish tofu, potatoes, or seaweed to the mix? Patrons rave about the fish's soft, tender texture, and don't overlook the black bean curd — a stellar side, praised for its satisfying consistency.

Yipinyuyue Roast Fish 一品鱼悦烤鱼 (北京首店）
Address:1-F4015, Wangfujing Outlet UPTOWN 4F, Daxing District
大兴区王府井奥莱UPTOWN 4层1-F4015
Hours: 10am-9pm
Phone: 135 0407 6665

Chuanjiao Seafood Buffet

Chuanjiao Seafood Buffet opens up a world of underwater delights, a welcome change of pace with its focus on an all-you-can-eat seafood concept — a rarity in Beijing. Step inside, and you're greeted by a spacious dining hall, ready to house hungry patrons and a cornucopia of ocean treasures. Laid out for your indulgence are sushi, fresh shrimp, succulent oysters, and coveted abalone.

However, the extravaganza goes beyond the briny deep, offering steamed dim sum like shaomai, Peking duck, ice cream, crunchy fried snacks, hearty pork leg, and perfectly steamed fish. Priced at RMB 219 on weekdays and tipping just a bit more to RMB 239 for Friday nights and weekends, it's a culinary adventure that promises you won't leave with anything less than a full and satisfied stomach.

Chuanjiao Seafood Buffet 川骄海鲜自助 （王府井奥莱店）
Address: Wangfujing Outlet UPTOWN 4F, Daxing District
大兴区王府井奥莱UPTOWN 4层
Hours: 10am-9.30pm
Phone: 010 6088 0333

猪角闽南猪脚饭 Minan Pig Feet Pork Rice

Embark on a culinary journey to Guangdong without leaving Beijing with the succulent pig feet rice—猪脚闽南猪脚饭 Zhū jiǎo mǐnnán zhū jiǎo fàn. This dish transforms the humble pork trotter into a burst of juiciness, a perfect balance of flavor that's hearty without being heavy, leaving a refreshing aftertaste that lingers. Layered over rice with a side of veggies and soybeans, this is a combination that hits all the right notes.

Opt for their set meal at just RMB 39.9, and you'll get the signature pork rice dish along with a coke and soup — a fulfilling, fast lunch option with the bonus of unlimited coke refills. What better deal could there be for a midday boost?

猪角闽南猪脚饭 Minan Pig Feet Pork Rice
Address: F4026,Wangfujing Outlet UPTOWN 4F, Daxing District
大兴区王府井奥莱UPTOWN 4层F4026
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 138 0120 6150

Leona Gelato

Gelato has a way of weaving a spell over those with a sweet tooth, and Leona Gelato has set up shop on the first floor of UP TOWN to do just that. With a texture that's incomparably silky and just the right kind of "bounce," their gelato has quickly become a shopper's refuge.

The top sellers? Classic vanilla, rich matcha tea, and an intoxicating rum flavor lead the pack. For the adventurous, there are rare finds like persimmon and cantaloupe to entice your palate. But it was the black sesame that captured our fancy, its nutty aroma and sweet depth pairing seamlessly with gelato's smooth caress. Leona Gelato is a must-visit for a delicious respite amidst your retail therapy.

Leona Gelato Leona意大利手工冰激凌
Address: 大兴区王府井奥莱UPTOWN 1层 F1101A
F1101 A, Wangfujing Outlet UPTOWN 1F, Daxing District
Hours: 10am-10pm
Phone: 187 4500 5834

READ:Spice Up Your Winter Evenings: Beijing's Newest Curry Delights 

Image: Irene Li