The Captivating District of Dongcheng in the heart of Beijing
By Fatou Sillah
Foreign journalists participating in the China International Press Communication Center had the opportunity to explore Dongcheng District, a central area of Beijing, China.
Dongcheng District serves as a crucial hub for national politics, culture, and international communication. It’s a significant area for preserving Beijing’s historical and cultural heritage and a vital window showcasing China’s national image. Covering 41.84 square kilometers, Dongcheng District is home to numerous national government offices and top global enterprises. In 2022, its GDP reached RMB 343.71 billion yuan, with a per capita GDP of USD 72,000. The district also generated a general public budget revenue of 18.49 billion yuan, ranking high in Beijing in terms of economic output.
Dongcheng District is rich in cultural and historical assets, including three world cultural heritage sites: the Palace Museum, the Temple of Heaven, and the Yuhe Section of the Grand Canal. A significant portion of Beijing’s 7.8-kilometer central axis, stretching from Yongding Gate to the Bell and Drum Towers, runs through Dongcheng.
In its role as Beijing’s center for international exchanges, Dongcheng has hosted numerous major state events and established sister-city relationships with 28 districts or cities in 22 countries. The district is dedicated to promoting high-standard international exchanges across various fields.
The Journalists explore Mogo.ai, a leading provider of autonomous driving technology and services. The company has developed the world’s first “Vehicle-Road-Cloud Integration” autonomous driving system and released the comprehensive MOGO Package, a fully self-developed hardware and software suite for autonomous driving.
The journalists also visited BRANDX, a renowned creative planning and marketing company founded in 1998. With headquarters in Beijing and branches in Shanghai and Paris, BRANDX focuses on cutting-edge experience marketing, blending art with technology to create unique and competitive immersive experiences, fostering deep connections between brands and consumers.
These visits highlighted the district’s blend of traditional culture and modern innovation, offering a comprehensive view of Dongcheng’s dynamic role in both China and the world.