Inside Indigo, Swire's New Mega-Mall by 798

We have high hopes for Indigo, Swire’s new shopping complex by 798 and Lido. In case you’re unfamiliar with Swire Properties, the Hong Kong-based commercial landlord also owns and manages The Opposite House and Sanlitun Village. Needless to say, they have discerning taste, and they do a good job in terms of attracting the “right” vendors. Their official launch date for Indigo is in September, but the mega-mall is now in soft opening. Which popular eateries and fashion brands are already on board, and what plans are in store?

So far, the mall stands mostly empty, but the selection of retailers slated to move in is already better than most. As of mid-May, 19 shops were in business, including a two-level Gap, Sephora, Toni and Guy, Kodo, bla bla bra and Page One Bookstore.

Other brands on the way include a two-level H&M (almost finished at the time of our visit last week), Herborist Spa, adidas, Calvin Klein Underwear, Guess, adidas, G-Star Raw, Jack & Jones, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as a few trendy local labels like Broadcast, JNBY, Croquis and more. You can get a full list here.

A few eateries at the Food Republic food court are already dishing out food, alongside Costa Coffee and McDonald’s. The upper floors also house a children’s indoor playground and a decked-out movie theater.

On the second level is a huge airy space which will likely be swarming with crowds by the end of summer. According to Indigo’s website, this will be the “town square” of the development, featuring “an organically styled glass rooftop that floods the entire interior with natural light."

The signage indicates that this is where many restaurants will be located, including Blue Frog (slated to open on June 1), Element Fresh and, perhaps more surprisingly, Hercules (both following suit shortly after).

Besides a retail mall, Indigo also comprises a 25-story luxury office tower, a natural outdoor park and a 369-room hotel called East. F&B concepts at East are being overseen by former Capital M chef Rob Cunningham, so we can expect only the best. There will be a range of exciting dining and drinking options we aren't permitted to divulge about just yet.

All in all, this was one of the first malls in Beijing we've visited that seems to have the whole package. Indigo’s offerings are accessible, with low- to high-end shopping and entertainment. We could while away an entire day there. We’re excited to see how Indigo will transform the surrounding area, as well as the city as a whole – tons of new boutiques have already sprouted up in Lido over the last year, and we’re sure the development won’t stop there.

Indigo 颐堤港
18 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District (no tel) www.indigobeijing.com
朝阳区酒仙桥路18

Photos: Tiffany Wang