New JinShang Square Aims To Be "Third Space" for Liangmaqiao Area

Construction is underway at JinShang·Yuan up by the Liangmaqiao, with a small but meaningful public square taking shape – one that the folks at JinShang hope can be utilized not just by businesses and restaurants, but by the community at large as well.

Dubbed JinShang Square, the project will see the southeast section of the JinShang complex expanded and closed to vehicle traffic. The plan is for the square to expand on the idea of JinShang as a “third space” – a place beyond work and home more geared towards leisure.

For those unfamiliar with the complex, JinShang is a commercial property home to a number of domestic and international firms, as well as a first floor of restaurants – including QMEX Taqueria, Bottega, Turkish Feast, and Malbec & Beef – and an underground series of venues and spaces used for everything from cultural events, art exhibitions, movie screenings and lectures to standup comedy and theater shows.

While space is only being cleared now, JinShang staff told the Beijinger more trees will be added to the square and the open space will be ideal for hosting outdoor markets, events, and even art exhibitions.

The new square builds upon changes geared towards making the city more pedestrian friendly. Other projects include the widening of sidewalks from Sanlitun to the Liangma River, the establishment of more greenways, and other initiatives in line with Beijing’s Slow Traffic System Plan.

JinShang Square is expected to be open by May of this year, and the opening will coincide with a beautification of the entire outside space, including opening walls surrounding the complex for artists to paint murals, and more public access to JinShang’s rooftop terrace.

When we asked whether or not the square would in any way connect to the Liangma River greenway due to their close proximity to each other, we were told there are as of yet no plans to connect the two. This doesn’t mean the two can’t connect in the future, an idea that JinShang seems open to.

JinShang·Yuan 金尚源
20 Xinyuanli West, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新源里西20号

READ: Plans for Sanlitun Bar Street Point to "Slow City" Shift for Beijing

Images courtesy of JinShang