beijing's first aesop store honors traditional chinese courtyard residences

Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19 opens in beijing

In the storied confines of Beijing‘s Wangfujing area, the Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19 opens to visitors, marking the brand‘s first endeavor in the Chinese capital. The newly opened store materializes within a siheyuan, a traditional Chinese courtyard residence, honoring the historical structure, which is a replica of the residences once owned by a cousin of the Qing dynasty’s last emperor, Puyi. The interiors are populated with classical Ming dynasty furniture and contemporary elements, while the outdoor space takes its cue from the ancient practice of creating shaded, communal spaces for respite from the summer heat.

Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19 in Beijing | all images courtesy the brand

recreating the serenity of a siheyuan architecture

A collaboration with atelier suasua, Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19 (see more here) welcomes Bejing guests through a gateway and inside an expansive courtyard beneath fluttering silk, where the classic pergola is reimagined as a retractable structure draped in waterproof canvas and crimson xiangyunsha tea silk, becoming the backdrop for a serene interplay of shadow and breeze. A duo of long benches crafted from glazed tiles frames a pair of immense recycled stone troughs evoking the goldfish basins traditionally placed beneath pergolas. To one side, a tea station that recalls a marketplace wonton stall invites a moment of reflection and refreshment.

through a gateway and inside an expansive courtyard beneath fluttering silk

Directly ahead, the main house reveals high ceilings and wooden rafters, which are characteristic of siheyuan architecture and optimize natural light and airflow. Within this space, visitors can explore Aesop’s full range of unconventional formulations, displayed in large teak structures inspired by classic step-beds commonly found during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Each of these alcoves conceals red copper sinks that are only discovered once inside, offering a more intimate environment.

Aesop’s full range of unconventional formulations, displayed in large teak structures

engaging the senses and inspiring olfactory exploration

Adjacent to the main hall, the east pavilion engages the senses and inspires olfactory exploration: a couple of Fragrance Armoires guide guests through the brand’s unorthodox Eaux de Parfum, while the separate infusion chambers allow them to imbue a garment with a chosen aroma. The west pavilion of Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19 hosts an ensuite where undisturbed and in-depth individual consultations can take place. Step-bed-like structures with basins set against bamboo bead curtains ensure privacy and serenity. In this space steeped in historical and architectural significance, customers are encouraged to participate in the brand’s Rinse and Return initiative by bringing used Aesop packaging to the Beijing store, which will be collected for future recycling.

Aesop WF CENTRAL House 19 in Beijing features classical Ming Dynasty furniture