Despite being known for its so-called headquarters economy, Guangzhou Tianhe central business district is keen to emphasize its livability.

Tianhe CBD comprises dozens of high-end shopping malls and international hotels, as well as a number of cultural and sports facilities, such as Guangzhou Opera House, Guangdong Province Museum and Tianhe Sports Center.

Each establishment is trying, in its own way, to provide new experiences to its customers.

In Grandview Mall, for example, shopper can enjoy an aquarium, while TaiKoo Hui, another shopping center, is preparing to welcome 20 new brands.

Herman Chui, general manager of TaiKoo Hui (Guangzhou) Development Co Ltd, said increasing numbers of overseas brands are becoming aware of Tianhe CBD as it matures and attracts high-end industries and talented people. Since 2014, TaiKoo Hui has introduced more than 50 new brands into Guangzhou.

"Tianhe CBD has developed into an area with mature commerce, entertainment and living facilities. It provides a good platform for businesses to operate here," Chui said.

"The headquarters economy of Tianhe CBD and the large number of businesses and people it attracts have promoted our business."

From January to May, 3,738 enterprises had registered in Tianhe CBD. Among them, 871 had a registered capital surpassing 10 million yuan ($1.5 million).

Commodity sales in the Tianhe Road Business Circle, a part of Tianhe CBD, reached 890 billion yuan last year, accounting for 17.5 percent of Guangzhou's total. Grandview Mall, TeeMall and TaiKoo Hui are all in the top 10 shopping centers nationwide in terms of sales.

A bird's eye view of the urban landscape along the Guangzhou Tower. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

However, Max Xie, head of Tianhe Road Chamber of Commerce, argued that to sustain the CBD's economic vitality, commerce should not be its only feature.

"Spiritual well-being is also important," he said. "The area needs to introduce more cultural elements by improving infrastructure and organizing high-quality cultural activities."

Tianhe CBD has been making efforts in this regard, with more than 200 international performances held in Guangzhou Opera House since the start of this year. A number of overseas artists have also been invited to host lectures and seminars.

"Tianhe CBD is a place suitable for living. Life here is convenient and pleasant," said Jin Duo, 25, an actress for Cookin Nanta, which is an art show at Grandview Mall.

"There are gymnasiums where I can exercise. Supermarkets are also within several minutes' walk from where I live."

Despite these advantages, Chui from TaiKoo Hui thinks there are still issues with the area that need to be resolved.

"Guangzhou East Railway Station is the first place many visitors arrive due to its proximity to Tianhe CBD. The infrastructure of the station needs to be improved so that visitors to Tianhe CBD can gain a wonderful experience from the first minute they arrive," he said.

sally@chinadailyhk.com