Stores, Malls or Markets in Beijing

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The trips to the Graet Wall and tombs always include a stop in a jade factory (I read it in VT prior to go, and... got it there).

The usual quick look at some people working (nothing new, I had already seen it, in Thailand, or India, or... both), and a technical explanation about the process and the different qualities of jade. That's serious and useful!

Then... it's up to you, to buy or not. The prices are high (shh... I escaped... and Fernanda didn't notice yet that there was no jade in our containers back home... shh!) and the display very appealing.
If you don't have my luck (this time... only this time!), why not to use the good technical information in a cheaper place?

There's an interesting demonstration of the craftsmen cutting jade sculptures . I was surprised to learn that only men can carve the jade. Women can polish only. Hummmm
Prices here are set in stone!!! We tried but no bargaining. This is of course a tourist trap but the pieces were lovely and I did buy a nice necklace for $55.00 . It is multi colored jade and even though its not the best deal in China, now that I'm home I'm really happy I did buy it!

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Qianmen Street has always been a lively shopping area with souvenirshops as well as famous shops for tea, jewelery or clothes. But is was also crowded with cars and busses. Now it was changed into a pedestrian street with renovated houses alongside. Here you can find some of the most famous teashops, boutiques of Gucci or Zara. There are also some nice restaurants and teahouses.

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This market was amazing. As well as the usual array of stalls, selling touristy souvenirs and local crafts there were some food stalls selling many weird and wonderful delicacies. For sale to the brave customer were scorpions on sticks [some were still alive and wriggling on their sticks] and some interesting looking insects on skewers.

What to buy: Chinese crafts and weird and wonderful exotic food.

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Qianmen Street resembles a late Qing-dynasty street scene and is close to traffic. There is a tram operating between both ends of the street. You can find some high end shops on both sides of the street. Moreover, there are many small shops on paralel and side streets where you can find anything you can imagine. As you guess, the main street is expensive, but the side streets offer prices competing with Silk Market.

What to buy: Various

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We found Wuyut'ai tea shop while coming back from the Lama Temple (which was closed by the time we got there). They sell beautiful tea services, tin cans and of course, tea: herbal tea, medicinal tea, in blocks, by the kilo, etc.

What to buy: Tea and/or accessories to have tea.

What to pay: What it costs, I'm unsure of whether haggling is ok considering that the price was fine to begin with.

Here is just a rough idea on the prices we paid for stuff bought in Beijing:-

Set of 10 decorative chopsticks = 10rmb
3 medium sized pandas that say "I love you" = 30rmb
30 minutes on Hotel pc = 10rmb
One hour foot massage at Dragonfly = 135rmb
Taxi to Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant = 18rmb
Roast Duck dinner for 2 = 334rmb
Silk table runners bought at Mutianyu = 50rmb each
T-Shirt from Mutianyu "I climbed the Great Wall" = 15rmb
Chinese purse mirrors = 10rmb each
Chinese doll = 50rmb
Bottle of water = from 2rmb-5rmb
Playing cards from Temple of Heaven = 10rmb
Real CK boys undies = 60rmb each

This excellent model shop is located just down the road, east of the Drum and Bell Towers. If you're into model cars and such like then this place is for you. The street is also home to several musical instrument shops.