Xidan Cultural Square, Public square in Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Xidan Cultural Square is a 2.2-hectare public square at 180 Xidan North Avenue, on the northeast corner of the Xidan intersection in Xicheng District. Its 1.5 hectares of planting include 50 trees, over 350 shrubs and 12,000 square metres of lawn, with fountains, sculptures and an open-air stage above ground. Beneath it are a cinema, gym, swimming pool, ice rink, shops and parking, linked to Xidan station on Subway Line 1.
The site was occupied by the Xidan Industrial Promotion Center and single-story shops until the late 1980s, when it was planned as green space. Construction stalled for lack of funds until September 1997, when it became a project marking the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic. A design by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design won the competition; the foundation stone was laid on 21 March 1998 and the square opened on 28 August 1999. A 2007–2009 renovation replaced the glass cone with a musical fountain and added a glass house for voluntary blood donation.
The square opened on 28 August 1999 as a gift for the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Its name comes from its location at Xidan, and the underground section, now called THE NEW, opened on 27 April 2021. A replica of the Xidan paifang (archway) stands on the south side.
The square is located at 180 Xidan North Avenue with easy access and several entry points connected to public transportation. Visitors will find plenty of space to walk and rest in the different zones throughout the square.
The square features an outdoor performance stage, decorative sculptures, and paved pathways that separate spaces for different types of activities. This design allows visitors to discover different experiences depending on which zone they explore.
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