Old Beijing, reimagined

In the heart of the capital's vibrant downtown, within the bustling Beijing Fun commercial district, a recently opened Beijing Gifts store housed in a distinctive gray, stone building has a way of demanding one's attention.

Its facade is playfully adorned with panda models hanging on the wall, luring visitors in.

Step inside, and the space comes alive with the chatter and laughter of young visitors. They gather around displays filled with creatively designed cultural products, each infused with the city's unique charm.

From intricately crafted models of Beijing's iconic landmarks and stylish Peking Opera figurines to delicate refrigerator magnets that blend woven grass with smooth clay, every item has its own way of telling a story about what the capital city has to offer.

Among these treasures, one stands out as a clear favorite: the Rabbit God, a folk deity depicted with a rabbit's head and a human body. It has secured its place as one of the store's most beloved souvenirs, according to the store's staff members.

Hu Pengfei, the designer of those ornamental Rabbit Gods, is relieved to see this ancient symbol, once an essential clay doll for children during the Mid-Autumn Festival, now finding a new generation of admirers.

Originally crafted as a mascot for peace and health, the Rabbit God carries deep cultural roots. In Beijing folklore, it is believed to dispel epidemics and bring good fortune, often depicted in imperial robes, riding a tiger or a deer.

Under Hu's ingenious design, this heritage, while retaining its essential characteristics, is being adapted for modern use, small enough for a desk, playful in posture.

"We saw our audience getting younger, so we aimed to bridge tradition and trend," Hu says.

A few months earlier, he designed a series casting the Rabbit God in leisurely moments, where the deity lounges with a birdcage, fans itself, or sips tea.