The new flagship marks a milestone for the brand’s expansion in China
Hermès has opened its first stand-alone store in Beijing’s Taikoo Li Sanlitun, marking a significant milestone for the French luxury house and a deeply personal moment for its leadership.
The five-story flagship, located among major luxury neighbors including Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Tiffany & Co., becomes the brand’s largest location in the Chinese capital and its fourth store in the city since entering the market in 1997. For executive chairman Axel Dumas and artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the opening fulfills a decades-old vision first imagined alongside Pierre-Alexis’ father, Jean-Louis Dumas.
Designed by RDAI with Mamou-Mani Architects, the building features a distinctive facade of rose-pink and terracotta ceramic tiles topped with a semi-transparent metal structure, nicknamed “the birdcage.” The design references Beijing’s historic bird-walking culture while integrating subtle nods to the nearby Forbidden City through curved rooflines, imperial tones, and layered materials.
Inside, the store unfolds across five levels, each conceived as a distinct environment. A central spiral staircase connects the space, guiding visitors through shifting atmospheres of light, texture, and product. The ground floor presents beauty, fragrance, shoes, and silk accessories in an open-plan layout, while upper levels expand into ready-to-wear, equestrian pieces, leather goods, home collections, watches, and jewelry.
Private salons and a landscaped terrace on the upper floors emphasize personalized service, while architectural details—such as marble-clad columns inspired by Chinese temples and mosaic flooring referencing the Paris flagship—bridge local and Parisian influences. Artistic interventions include a suspended installation by Chinese artist Liu Jianhua and curated works from the Hermès collections.
The store also features exclusive products, including leather goods with dragon motifs by artist Tong Ren and a Sanlitun-exclusive Mini Bolide bag, reinforcing the location’s significance within the brand’s global network.
The opening arrives as Hermès continues to show resilience in China despite broader luxury market pressures. The brand now operates 31 stores across the country and remains committed to steady expansion, supported by a strong top-tier clientele and ongoing investments in key cities.
