In Beijing’s historic Dongcheng District, a modest wooden pavilion stood out among glass, steel, and concrete. Built entirely of Canadian hemlock, the 40 square metre structure was the only all wood exhibit at the 2025 Beijing Urban Renewal Week. After two decades of rapid real estate expansion, China’s property cycle has reached maturity. The focus of development is now turning from new construction to urban renewal. This new focus aims to revitalize existing neighbourhoods, improve livability, and reduce carbon emissions. In Beijing, where the central districts of Dongcheng and Xicheng are tasked with preserving centuries old architecture along the imperial axis, renewal is as much about cultural continuity as it is about climate performance. Under this new paradigm, materials matter. Sustainably sourced wood offers both aesthetic warmth and environmental advantage. … Recognizing this shift, FII China and Canada Wood, has positioned wood construction as a natural fit for China’s dual carbon and high quality development goals.