I’ve been testing a China LBS-backed location intelligence workflow for retail and F&B site selection.

Sample case: evaluating Shanghai’s Jing’an Temple area for a premium coffee concept using AMap / Gaode POI signals.

The key takeaway: a “hot” commercial area is not automatically a good location. Jing’an has strong demand anchors — offices, malls, transit, hotels, and lifestyle traffic — but also mature competition. That makes it more suitable for a differentiated premium concept, flagship-style visibility, or pop-up validation than a generic coffee store.

The heatmap is only the evidence layer. The real value is turning local POI signals into a practical entry decision:

where demand may exist

where competition is already intense

which format fits the location

what to validate before signing a lease

I’m exploring customized China LBS location intelligence reports for overseas brands, agencies, and founders considering retail stores, F&B concepts, beauty / lifestyle pop-ups, showrooms, or market-entry pilots.