Few suspected the cramped office would produce one of the key players to change the electronic retail industry.

In 2009, the authorities in Haidian announced a plan to transform Zhongguancun into a hub for highend industries. Markets selling electronic products were discouraged in the area.

Two years later, policies were introduced to increase office space for high-end businesses, including those in the science and technology and financial services sectors.

In 2015, the authorities announced that the plan to transform Zhongguancun would be completed in three to five years, meaning that electronic products would no longer be sold at the location by the end of this year.

The closure of Ding Hao Mall is part of this plan.

Embracing the future

Chen, the administrative officer, said: "In my view, it's not the end, regardless of the closure of the book mall or electronics markets. It's a new beginning. New industry clusters will emerge."

Ten such clusters have been formed in Zhongguancun since 2017, including those for information technology, smart devices, new materials, software information and scientific technology services.

Innovation and technology are the "inevitable development trend "in the area, Chen said.

According to the Beijing municipal government, last year Zhongguancuan was home to 74 unicorn companies－startups valued at $1 billion or more that have yet to go public－accounting for some 92 percent of the total in Beijing.

Unicorn companies in the capital comprise about 50 percent of the total in China, highlighting the city's role as the nation's science and technology center.

Zhongguancun has become the engine for scientific and technological innovation in Beijing.

Zhao Changshan, chairman of Zhongguancun Development Group, announced at the recently held Zhongguancun Forum that the group has a 30 billion yuan "fund of funds" plan aimed at incubating high-end industry, unicorn companies and establishing science and technology services platforms.

"The 'fund of funds' will help companies in Zhongguancun launch overseas businesses, outbound mergers and acquisitions and overseas listings. A global innovation network will be formed," Zhao said.

Chen, the official, added, "Zhongguancun is the place for scientists from all over the world to make their dreams come true."