Chongqing Retail Landmark Transforms into Urban Lifestyle Hub
10 Design, a global architecture and master planning practice, has completed the façade renovation of Chongqing Beicheng Paradise Walk. Working in close collaboration with Longfor Group, 10 Design has revitalised the building into a dynamic hub that blends commercial energy with urban identity, restoring its relevance after two decades and seamlessly integrating leisure, retail, dining, entertainment, and social spaces through architectural renewal.
Beicheng Paradise Walk first opened in 2003 as Longfor Group’s first retail development. It has since become a benchmark for Longfor’s now over 100 Paradise Walk malls and has helped turn the Guanyinqiao district into one of China’s most visited commercial destinations.
“Our design was derived from Chongqing’s iconic three-dimensional urban landscape. The façade depicts the city’s unique character through the interplay of glass and stone,” said Peby Pratama, Design Principal of 10 Design. “This showcases the dynamic resonance between commercial space and urban spirit, ultimately creating a public space that strengthens civic identity and a sense of shared ownership for Chongqing residents.”
Revitalising a Chongqing landmark
The design concept embraces a ‘Symphony of Glass and Stone’, moving away from the original enclosed, monotonous façades to establish clear visual focal points and more coherent flow between interior and exterior spaces. This renewed architectural language introduces varied design themes that make the mall instantly recognisable and memorable. The staggered, layered box-like forms with interspersed stone elements draw inspiration from the city’s iconic mountain landscape, while the play of light and shadows on the glass reflects the branching patterns of its converging rivers.
The revitalisation focuses on three key entrances along the west street front, with South Plaza serving as the primary urban gateway. This interface is anchored by the ‘Wonder Box’ – a striking composition of stacked, translucent glass volumes that acts as a container for the dynamic experiences favoured by the city’s new generation. The jewel-like façade hints at the mix of dining, culture and social energy held within, while a state-of-the-art naked eye 3D screen wraps the corner of the structure, immersing visitors in Chongqing’s high-tech, cyber city identity. By retaining the existing structure, the design also reinterpreted the development’s iconic canopy into a new modern silhouette that will continue to find root in the city’s collective memory.
The North Plaza, framed by a new soaring glass canopy, has been reconstructed into a vertically layered space. It introduces sheltered outdoor areas while allowing abundant natural light to filter through, creating a distinctive sense of arrival for visitors. Using the project’s elevation differences, a sunken plaza is introduced at the entrance; surrounded by preserved ancient banyan trees, it forms a lush pocket courtyard providing a moment of respite in the bustling city centre.
Glass box elements are paired with curved forms to create a three-dimensional interface along the central plaza. By reorganising the building volumes, an open, vibrant space is created, offering multiple outdoor dining opportunities along with room for rolling event programmes and festive activities. Steps draw visitors down to the basement retail space, while landscaped terraces and planters serve as public seating, finished in the warmth and texture of wood and stone.
Along the street, the intersection of stone and glass curtain wall elements softens the façade’s original sense of enclosure, while double-height windows expand shopfront display, adding value for brands and flagship stores. Unified materials and colour tones blur the boundaries between pedestrian walkways and the mall entrance, removing physical barriers to create a more accessible, brand-visible environment.
“Witnessing the rebirth of Beicheng Paradise Walk has been profoundly rewarding,” said Joey Qu, Associate Director of 10 Design. “What began as a pioneering retail landmark has evolved into a vibrant, nature-friendly heart for the community. We have created a public stage where citizens and visitors alike can linger, connect and rediscover a true sense of belonging in the very centre of the city.”
The project establishes a new model for the renewal of existing commercial properties. As cities across China rethink ageing retail stock, Beicheng Paradise Walk demonstrates what architectural ambition, a strong client brief, and genuine civic thinking can deliver together.