Shopping, Beijing

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Located on Jinguo Men Wai Dajie, the “Xiushuf Silk Markets” are a must for any visitor to Beijing that wishes to pick up a bargain!
Some believe that these markets are way over price. I, however, believe that the markets represent excellent value….especially when you must haggle for a great price!

Don't let the name foolyou, although there are beautiful silk items sold here, the Silk Markets offer 6 floors of shopping with each floor specializing in true “GENUINE COPY” items! From Rolex and Gucci watches, Polo, Jeep and Armani clothing right through to jewelry, bags and accessories, you can grab a bargain here.

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Shopping in Beijing was a thrill! Asking for vendors to lower their prices and to really enjoy the art of haggling are what you can really make fun of when shopping in this city. Beijing has got several big malls in the world so why just sit in your hotel room when you can SHOP!!!

Beijing is one of the most modern and efficient cities in China, however in my past few months of living here I have found that modernization and efficiency does not (in my view) extend throughout all areas of society, so if you’re preparing to visit Beijing for the Olympics you may want to keep in mind the follow tips so you are not caught totally off guard.

1.Going to the Toilet:
When you are out away from your hotel and not visiting the newest shopping mall or restaurant please be aware that toilet paper may not be provided in the stalls. This is certainly one tip you want to remember. In most cases there is a large roll of paper next to the entrance to the restroom, at other times there is no paper or at lease none you want to touch. So to be on the safe side remember to bring some small packets of tissue that can fit in you purse or pocket easily and make sure everyone in you group gets at least one.

2. Germs:
Along with your small packet of tissues you should include a small packet of sanity wipes to clean your hand and face or wipe off surfaces you are eating on. I can go on and on about this topic, but just to put things in perspective think about the care you take cleaning after your own family member in your home; now think about a thousand people coming over and touching everything in your house. Get the picture!

This place is not part of our tour package. I must thank VTer Confucius for recommending me to this place. On the last day, which is supposedly our free and easy day, our tour guide told the group that he can bring us to see ice sculpture and Temple of Earth at a small fee. However, as I need to meet up with a friend staying at Beijing, I didn't join the rest of them. Although I had requested him to bring the group to this place, he told me that there is nothing much to see which is definitely not true! Thus, I asked my friend to bring me to this flea market - Pan Jia Yuan. It is really an eye-opener as the place is huge. You can find many things here, mainly antiques, and many interesting ones! Although I heard that most of the antiques (or all?) here are fake ones but this place is definitely worth a visit. For those who loves to read, this is an alley in here with many stalls selling books.

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The birdmarket called Guan Yuan Hua Niao Shi Chang was a place we frequented because it was where my friend bought food for her lovebirds.

An interesting place where one can buy not only birds but also all sorts of creepy crawlers: crickets, snails etc

Watched the locals and their pet birds. And we also explored the hutongs next to the market.

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I enjoyed going to this sprawling flea market. It's got everything from paintings to furniture to jade to Mao memorabilia. I think it's a must see for Beijing visitors.

It's hard to tell real antiques from fake ones so buyers beware...

Ok I admit, I'm one of the (multitudes of) people who buy them fake DVDs.

5-6 yuan from the bicycle-riding vendors or 8-10 yuan from the shops. The catch is: it may not play, may be a moviehouse recording, or has a wackily mispelled title.

If you ever visit Beijing in June and see a Merry Christmas Happy New Year streamer on a shop window, I wont blame you if go looking for the day's paper. No, you are not time warped. That's just the locals keeping in step with the western tradition but dont know when to stop.

In 2003, it was hard to find a decent Christmas decor around Beijing. My choices were limited to metallic and plastic ornaments. But I found this raggedy Santa in a shop at the South Cathedral in Xuanwumen. I hung it on my doorknob to remind me of home.

The first time I went to Beijing the Silkmarket was an outdoor market.
Where you could find all kind of fake stuff. Especially clothes.

The last time we planned to go to the Silkmarket. But this time they drove us to a shopping center that was under construction.
So we ended up on another shoppingcenter that sold cheap and fake stuff.

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A vast walking area next door to Ladies' Street. Right across you can find souvenir items and beautiful crockery at reasonable prices - mostly less than RMB10. My favorite shop is the one shop tucked in the corner further back from the main street area where they mostly cater for export items.

The flower market is located across the street within a giant building. Any type of house plants, gardening equipments, fresh flowers - including that rare-looking tulips, deep red roses, calla lilies are all there.... Don't forget to bargain the price.