The mall also suffered from economic losses and increased management costs, but "such pains are what we must handle because we know that it is time to change", Na said.

But the advantages are obvious, she said.

"We now have a better working environment and the social status of Dinghao also improved," she said.

In addition, many buildings in the science park are also used by innovative corporations and scientific research institutes. Of the nearly 3,000 companies it added in the past three years, 93 percent are in high-tech and creative industries.

Zhang Qi, deputy general manager of the park's Zhongguancun Dream Laboratory, said an increasing number of young people are pursuing their dreams in the area.

"They always bring entirely new perspectives and approaches when creating the future," he said.