Shopping
Silk, clothing, textile, cloisonné, pearls, crafts, Chinese tea, Chinese medicine, watches, software, CDs and books are main things to foreign tourist. Shops, supermarkets are all over the city. But Xiushui Market (Silk Market) and Hongqiao Market (Pearl Market) are the most popular markets. At the markets, you can buy fashionable clothing including silk products, shoes, and many other things. Timberland, North Face, Nike, Gap and Tommy Hilfiger are available (most of them are copies but they are well-made and inexpensive). Always remember to bargain. 50 % at least and do not be shy. The Sunday Market (Panjiayuan Shichang) is open on Saturday and Sunday. It starts at 7 am and stops around 2 pm. Old things and second hand stuff are sold in the open. If you like collectibles, this is a must. To make the silk dress by tailor, go to Silk Shop in Qianmen. You can select material in the shop and the tailor will make for you in 2-3 days.
Markets recommended:
Xiushui Market (Silk Market) 秀水市场
Address: Jianguomenwai dajie 建国门外大街
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Transportation from our hotel: Bus 120 or 43 to Yong'anli永安里, pay 1 yuan on the bus, 30 minutes. Taxi takes 20 minutes, pay 16 yuan fare.
Tips: Xiushui market has been moved into a big building near the old place in the year of 2005. You can buy clothing, silk, shoes and hats here. There are no marked prices. Test your bargaining skills. The vendors speak some English for their business. The clothing is trendy and labeled as famous brands. Most are copies though the quality is good. Often it's possible to bargain down to half of the original price. So browse along the 200 meter long market first and then decide where to buy. Always give out your final offer and then just walk ahead. The vendors will call you back. Both Chinese yuan and US dollars are acceptable here. The exchange rate is around 8.2 yuan to one dollar. There is no return service. But you can change the size and color. Just remember it's impossible to get your money back once you've paid!
Hongqiao Market (Pearl Market) 红桥市场
Address: Hongqiao 红桥市场
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Transportation from our hotel: Bus 610 to Hongqiao 红桥, pay 1 yuan on the bus. 10 minutes. Taxi cost you 10 yuan, not more than 10 minutes.
Tips: The 5-story building contains the main market. Hundreds of vendors sell clothing, silk, shoes & hats, suitcases & bags, watches, electronics, crafts, pearls, curios and paintings. No marked prices. The sellers warmly welcome you and show you prices on a calculator. If you think it's too expensive, they will let you give out the price you want on the calculator. The Pearl Market is on the 3rd floor. Antiques are both original and fake but the prices are the same. You have to know the difference. Suitcases and bags here are the cheapest in Beijing. There is also a specialty fan store. You can pay with dollars instead of yuan. The exchange rate is around 8.20 yuan to one dollar.
Ya Show Clothing Market (New Market) 三里屯服装市场
Hours: 9:00-18:00
Transportation from our hotel: Bus 120 to Sanlitun三里屯, pay 1 yuan on the bus. 40 minutes. Taxi cost you 25 yuan, 30 minutes.
Tips: Hundreds of vendors sell clothing, silk, shoes & hats, suitcases & bags, golf and other sport stuff. No marked prices. Bargain the price at least 70% first. Do not be shy.