The October National Day holiday has a reputation for grand openings, and the latest holiday maintained that tradition with the launch of the unwieldy Weibo IN Interdimensional Gravitational Zone (微博in跨次元引力场). Chaoyang District's official WeChat invited everyone to “come and join us for this magical Gen-Z carnival!” Okay, boomer. But what exactly is this new 55,000 sqm mixed-use commercial and cultural complex located within east Chaoyang Park?
To begin with, this marks Chaoyang's initial venture into an Olympic urban renewal initiative, ignited by the 2019 requests from the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee for improved post-Games use of venues. Now, with financial backing from Sina Weibo, the former Olympic Volleyball Stadium has been converted into Weibo IN. It features an outdoor market, a music stage, a soon-to-open skateboarding park, and a beach leisure area (naturally using sand reclaimed from the old volleyball venue). The zone aims to host over 100 esports events and more than 300 IP-related activities each year, alongside happenings like the Jazz Festival and Market, which was in progress during my visit in the opening week.
At the heart of this complex is the aforementioned Interdimensional Gravitational Zone, a four-story, 42,000 sqm paradise dedicated to ACGN (anime, comic, game, novel), characterized by clean geometric shapes and futuristic anodized aluminum oxide panels. The third floor houses the 1,500-seat E-sports Diamond Center, which opened eight months ago and serves as the home base for Beijing's Honor of Kings (a multiplayer online battle arena game) team WB. Currently, it's the largest dedicated venue of its kind in northern China, built for professional tournaments and leagues like the King Pro League (Honor of Kings tournament).
Additionally, a full-body wireless VR immersive game titled Three-Body Game: Fragments of Civilization launched some months back, receiving positive reviews, and there’s even a store entirely dedicated to Three-Body merchandise. The new section extends from B1 to the second floor, comprising the shopping, dining, and social hangout areas. During my visit, the atmosphere was electric, filled with numerous visitors in cosplay outfits. Several concurrent events were happening, including a Genshin Impact Anniversary Event and large displays celebrating a virtual character's birthday from the hit Love and Deepspace game. Regular dance parties and organized flash mobs from various fandoms were also taking place. Attendees could find image booths, 3D chocolate printers, cozy beanbag areas for relaxation, and mini-sets decorated for photo opportunities.
Moreover, food options include a bakery, gelato, coffee, tea, hot pot, fried chicken, and more, ensuring ample choices for snacks and beverages. There's also exhibition space currently displaying indie art toy figures from the upcoming Amazing Toy Show, scheduled to hit Beijing at the end of this month. However, a trio of punked-up middle-aged toy designers I noticed seemed somewhat out of place amid all the “youth energy.” Young at heart, I suppose.
For those interested in maximizing their visit, here are additional highlights to explore. Keep in mind that it’s still early days, so expect more developments in the coming months, including a store related to ball-jointed dolls (BJD) and Takara Tomy (a leading Japanese toy manufacturer).
Xcartoys
A Beijing-based company specializing in high-quality die-cast miniature cars from classic and contemporary domestic brands, as well as delivery tricycles and Niu electric scooters. This is only their second physical store, following their flagship in Wangfujing. As Chinese car brands continue to thrive, collecting these miniature models offers a glimpse into automotive history.
OHP Card Shop
If you’re a fan of the long-standing Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh! card games, this might be the perfect place for you. It features ample table space for a game or two.
Sootang Hobby
A comprehensive shop for hobby model kits, offering a variety of options including Gunpla (even oversized models), Transformers, Megahouse, Tamashii Nations, and Meng.
bilibiliGoods
Bilibili serves as China’s premier streaming platform for geek culture, comics, and games, also funding a lot of the best new content in those areas. As such, you’re likely to find your favorite domestic IP products available here.
Weibo IN Interdimensional Gravitational Zone (微博in跨次元引力场) is located at Chaoyang Park, Nongzhanguan Beilu, Chaoyang District. The operating hours are from 10 am to 10 pm.
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Images: Jesse Young
This fresh "youth energy" mixed-use commercial area aimed at Gen-Z has recently arrived in Chaoyang Park.