Shopping in Beijing

1. 1

   Panjiayuan

   Also called the "dirt market" or the "weekend market," this is China's largest and possibly its most entertaining flea market. It operates from Sun-Sat, most people visit there on the weekend, and it is located near Pan Jia Yuan bridge, on the eastern third ring road. It begins early, around 07:00 in summer and 08:00 in winter (04:00 on the weekend). The flea market includes mostly fake antiques and large sections selling admittedly modern porcelain, jade, carved stone and wood, paintings, furniture, and other decorative items, used books, maps, and Cultural Revolution kitsch replicas. There are also sections selling Tibetan goods, although mostly of low quality, especially the paintings. Textiles made by members of minority nationalities from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces are amongst the more interesting buys at the moment. Well worth a visit, unless you are allergic to crowds. Remember to bargain, try offer 1/10 to 1/3 of the original price and be sure to shop around as many stalls have similar or identical goods. Panjiayuan's established dealers also provide shipping service for large items to main ports around the world.
2. 2

   Hong Qiao (Pearl) Market

   Not far from the Temple of Heaven. Worth visiting for the state-run silk market but more especially for the pearl market in the building opposite. The top two floors of this market are filled with jewelry, and this may be the best place in China to buy pearls, coral, turquoise, amber and other semi-precious stones. The top floor features high-end jewelry stores, but the floor below has small merchant stalls still selling good quality pearls and other beads. Lower floors have the usual purses, leather goods, clothing, handcrafts like chess sets or chopsticks, and electronics. The presence of a large number of stalls keeps the prices fairly keen, but shop around, keep a smile on your face and bargain hard. On weekdays, when customer traffic is low, be prepared to be yelled at, have a range of products shoved into your hands and face and be physically grabbed and pushed. Anything to get you to buy their merchandise
3. 3

   Silk Street or the Silk Market

   The original foreign-oriented market, in the first embassy district (now the CBD). It was re-opened in March 2005 as a 5 storey air-conditioned building. You can find luggage, leather bags, electronics, sporting goods, jewellery, clothing and Chinese artwork. This market caters almost entirely to foreign customers. However, compared to other Asian markets in, say, Hong Kong and Bangkok, this market may be overpriced. Counterfeit Polo Ralph Lauren golf shirts in Hong Kong are roughly 30HKD (US $4) while at the Silk Market, the general starting price is roughly US $50 and you would be lucky after lengthy bargaining to get the shirt for US $20. As another example of prices: bargaining for fake Diesel-brand jeans might start at ¥1200 and end up at ¥85. Shoes may not be worth buying here, as their soles are often uncomfortably thin. Tourists may want to consider spending their money elsewhere.

   8 East Xiushui St., Jianguomenwai Dajie
4. 4

   Wangfujing

   Beijing's most famous shopping street, nowadays with mostly the same international brands and modern malls you will find anywhere else in the world. The street is pedestrianised for several blocks, making it pleasant to walk around. Several large malls in the area such as Oriental Plaza (see below) and Sun Dong An plaza. One useful shop is the Foreign Language Bookstore, at the northern end of the pedestrian area, which has a good selection of guidebooks and maps (although expensive). Wangfujing snack street (see also "Eat") in the alleys just to the east has vendors selling souvenirs and crafts. Bargain hard.
5. 5

   Xizhimen

   One of the most popular markets for locals is located in '''Xizhimen''', next to the zoo. To get there, in front of the zoo (Beijing Zoo stop on subway line 4) there is a new huge building, which is just another big market, but behind it, there is the wholesale market, with the best prices, and a lot of genuine goods (clothing). This market is much more local than others listed here, and is perhaps not ideal for the less adventurous traveler. There is also a similar market nearby in the pedestrian underpass under the parking lot at the Yushuguan Bridge with good bargaining possibilities.
6. 6

   Zhongguancun

   For the more technologically-oriented tourist, is a must. Located directly south from Peking University and Tsinghua University (and accessible from Line 4 on the subway), this area is dubbed the "Silicon Valley of China." There are a number of large electronics malls that sell everything from phones to computer parts. Pirated software and DVDs are also not hard to find here. Many of the shady characters outside the malls shouting 'DVD!' also sell pornography (illegal in China).The largest and most well-known malls include:
7. 7

   Liulichang

   There is no production here any more, but rather antique stores, selling Chinese painting, handicrafts, and used books. The area was popular back to the Tang dynasty, but the small shops were amalgamated into state-operated units during the 1950s. It was redeveloped as a tourist area after 1979, but has failed to regain its former popularity. Nevertheless, it is picturesque and you can still find interesting things here. In the Chinese New Year, there's a 15-day folk fair here. Not far from the Hepingmen Subway Station.
8. 8

   Ladies' Street

   A varied shopping area in the new embassy district. Nuren Jie itself has restaurants and shops/market selling womens' clothing (hence the name). There is also the Laitai Flower Market, which sells potted plants, planters, cut flowers, and above and below has art and home decorations. Similar small shops line the street opposite the flower market. Opposite Laitai is an area called "Super Bar Street" with bars and restaurants, and during the day also has a large indoor market with mostly electronics.
9. 9

   Guwan Cheng

   On the 3rd ring road, just beyond Panjiayuan. This four story white building houses the more upmarket variety of Chinese antiques, with prices to match. The management have been making determined efforts to stamp out fakes and low quality items in recent years and, to some extent, have succeeded. However, the rule that applies to all antique shopping in China still remains in force: buyer beware.
10. 10

    Qianmen Dajie Pedestrian Street

    Qianmen Dajie is one of Beijing's oldest commercial streets with a 500 year old history. Now, this street is under reconstruction to bring it back as it was in the 1920s. Furthermore, trolley cars will re-appear in the street, after being absent for 40 years. The status in March 2009 is that the street is open to the public, but only very few shops are established so far.
11. 11

    The Malls at Oriental Plaza

    At one time this was the largest mall in Asia. Modern shopping mall is expensive but provides you with a lot of buying opportunities from diamonds, to real (affordable) DVD's, (international) music CD's and food. You can find lots of brands in Oriental Plaza, from high-end to low. Besides shopping, you also can eat here, from Western cuisine to traditional Chinese food.

    East of Tian'anmen Square, on Wangfujing
12. 12

    The Place

    This outdoor complex is most well-known for having one of the largest LED screens in the world, which simultaneously serves as a futuristic roof. Come here in the evening to see various sorts of animations being shown over the full length of the screen. The Place also has a number of shops and cafes and is adjacent to another complex housing a number of restaurants.

    9 Guanghua Lu / 光华路9号 Website
13. 13

    Dashilan

    Dashilan (and surrounding streets) is a shopping area dating back to the Ming dynasty. The name means big fences, which in earlier times were in place in both ends of the street. Everything burned down during the boxer uprising in 1900, but the area has since been reestablished as a shopping area
14. 14

    Grand Pacific

    Has a good selection of less expensive brands and attracts primarily younger shoppers. The shopping mall appears bright and clean and it is usually not too crowded. Here you can find makeup, clothes and sports. Restaurants include Bread Talk, DQ, Pizza Hut and Sizzler.

    133 Xidan North St (西单北大街133号; Xī​dān​běi​dà​jiē​) 10AM-10PM Website
15. 15

    Friendship Store

    A relic of communist China: where all foreigners used to have to shop. Prices are very high, and (not surprisingly) there's hardly anyone there. Come here to browse in peace and see what items and styles you like: then go to Silk market or Yashow to bargain for them.

    CITIC building, Jianguomenwai Dajie
16. 16

    Sunny Gold Street

    A small two-storey market selling clothes, T-shirts, luggage, purses, wallets, some souvenirs etc. They have nothing you can't also buy at Yashow, but they are much smaller and calmer, so more relaxing. Convenient if you're staying at Lido hotel or in the area.

    2 Fangyuan Xi Lu
17. 17

    Joy City

    This mall opende in 2008 is the largest in Xidan and you can find almost everything here including an enormous cosmetic shop. The building has an impressive glass facade and inside the feel is spacious despite the hords of locals browsing here.

    130 Xidan North St (西单北大街130号; Xī​dān​běi​dà​jiē) Website
18. 18

    New Wudaokou Clothing Market

    4-storey market packet with clothing, footwear and accessorizes, especially popular with students from nearby universities. A lot of Korean and Japanese style fashion. Staff is not pushing, drinks/snacks are available on the top floor.

    2 Qinghua Donglu, Golden Tower, 清华东路2号 金码大厦 9AM-7PM
19. 19

    Nanluoguxiang

    This restored hutong, just east of Drum Tower and Houhai, is lined with boutiques and small shops. Not the place for bargains, but this is where to come for unique and distinct gifts including T-shirts, pottery, jewellery, etc.
20. 20

    Chongwenmen Food Market

    Traditional indoor food market with lots of small stalls with all kind of fresh food ingredients. This is the oldest remaining traditional food market in Beijing and worth a visit, also if you are not buying anything.

    1 Chongwenmen Street (崇文门外大街1号; Chóngwénménwàidàjiē) 7:30AM-8:30PM Cheap
21. 21

    Carrefour

    Cheap French supermarket chain, selling everything from food, homeware, clothing to DVDs and electrical appliances. A bit pricier is their import section, offering food products from all over the world.

    Zhongguancun Plaza, 中关村广场地 8AM-10:30PM
22. 22

    Taikoo Li Sanlitun (The Village)

    Modern, international mall opened in 2008, beside Yashow market. Many international brand names, including Apple, Adidas, Uniqlo. Also numerous cafes and restaurants, and a cinema in the basement.

    Corner of Gongti Beilu and Sanlitun Lu
23. 23

    Xidan Department Store

    Government owned mall with a history of more than 70 years. It has been redecorated several times over the years but still appears a bit old fashioned. The prices are good though.

    120 Xidan North St (西单北大街120号; Xī​dān​běi​dà​jiē​)
24. 24

    Golden Resources Shopping Mall

    The mall covers 680.000 square meters, and is the second largest in Asia. Multiple stories, snaking alleys, infinite shopping opportunities... you get the gist.

    near Yuanda Bridge / Yuanda Road off the West Fourth Ring Road in Haidian District
25. 25

    Liangma Flower Market

    First floor is cut flowers, all inexpensive. Around the sides are potted plants, home decorations, lamps. Upstairs are dishes and kitchenware.
26. 26

    Daoxiangcun

    Famous shop established in 1895. Best known for its wide selection of southern style cakes. More than 20 branches around the city.

    Zhubaoshi Street (珠宝市街; Zhūbǎoshìjiē) ¥16-36 for a kilo of cakes Website
27. 27

    Qianmen Carpet Co.

    Claims to be the first established antique carpet dealer in China. Sells antique carpets as well as reproductions.

    Xingfu Street (幸福街59号; 幸福街) 9:30AM-5:30PM Website
28. 28

    Beijing Commodity Market

    40,000 sqr meter large market offering a wide range of products including fashion, gifts, leather goods and toys.

    259 Fuwai Rd M-F 7:30AM-5PM, Sa-Su 7:30AM-5:30PM
29. 29

    Beijing Qianxiangyi Silk Store

    Very large silk store established in 1840. Claims to be the biggest silk professional store in China.

    50 Dazhalan West Street (大栅栏西街50号; Dàzhàlánxījiē) 8:30AM - 8:30PM Website
30. 30

    Tea Street

    The street has 8 wholesale tea markets and more than 600 tea shops. Tea sets also for sale here.

    Maliandao Chayecheng (马连道茶叶城; Mǎliándàocháyèchéng) 8:30AM - 6PM
31. 31

    China World Trade Center

    Here you will find a lot of expensive stores and some international convenience stores.
32. 32

    NagQu

    A small shop selling handcrafted bags, scarfs and pottery made with natural materials.

    No.67 Wudaoying Hutong 东城区五道营胡同67号
33. 33

    Zhong You Department Store

    Has a lot of fake brands (mostly clothes). Very affordable if you bargain hard.

    176 Xidan North St
34. 34

    Soshow

    Entertainment Shopping Center for the young, rich and modern Beijingers.

    Chongwenmenwai Street (崇文门外大街; Chóngwénménwàidàjiē) Su-Th 10AM-9PM; Fr-Sa 10AM-9:30PM Website
35. 35

    Hongqiao Wet Food Wholesale Market

    Raw food whole sale market specialising in sea food but also with other.

    Tiantan East Street (天坛东路; Tiāntándōnglù) 6:30AM-6:30PM
36. 36

    Tongzhou Market

    Outdoor morning market in the old part of Tongzhou. Mostly food.

    West Meizi West Street (西梅子西街)
37. 37

    Liubiju

    Famous shop established in 1530. Sells pickled vegetables.

    Zhubaoshi Street (珠宝市街; Zhūbǎoshìjiē) Website
38. 38

    Beijing Language and Culture University Press Store

    One of the best stores to buy language learning books.

    Mo-Tu 9AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-4PM
39. 39

    Beijing Capital Times Square

    Shopping center focusing on international brands.

    88 Xi Chang'an St (西长安街88号; Xī​cháng​'ān​jiē​) 9:30AM-9:30PM
40. 40

    Sogo

    Shopping mall with Japanese and European shops.

    8 Xuanwumenwai Street (宣武门外大街8号; Xuānwǔménwàidàjiē) 9:30AM - 10PM Website
41. 41

    New World Shopping Centre

    Five storied shopping mall.

    3 Chongwenmenwai Street (崇文门外大街3号; Chóngwénménwàidàjiē) Website
42. 42

    Sihuan Mixed Goods Market

    Raw food whole sale market.

    Sihuan Hutong, Deshengmenne St (德胜门内大街四环胡同; Déshèngménnèi Dàjiē Sìhuán Hútòng) 7AM-7PM
43. 43

    Tian Zhao Tian Market

    Jewelery market.
44. 44

    Wanda Plaza

    Shopping mall.

Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Verify opening hours before visiting.