[Photo via VCG]

Starbucks China's first "Branch for Experiencing Intangible Culture" opened in Huamao Shopping Mall, Beijing in November.

With modern external styling, the branch is situated in a bright, free-standing glass building whose internal design is based on Beijing Hutong culture, conveying the traditional essence of old Beijing.

[Photo via VCG]

The café's ceiling incorporates lines of the stone tiles used in old Beijing’s Siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard) to create a "space of traditional art" in a city enveloped in reinforced concrete. One side of the backdrop of the counter is covered with indigo cloth bearing hand-drawn images of "Hutongs of old Beijing", while the other side is decorated with artifacts integrating motifs from waxprinting, coffee culture and old Beijing traditions. All the decorations are artworks produced by inheritors of the intangible cultural heritage of Danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, showcasing one of four major printing techniques in ancient China to the youthful consumers, who can now appreciate the beauty of intangible cultural heritage, while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Address: 2nd floor, Huamao Shopping Mall, No. 79 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing