Calvin’s Hub

A tour to another country won’t be complete without shopping even just for souvenirs. This post is about shopping spots in Beijing and some shopping tips.

Contrary to what many people believe, stuff from Beijing is not exactly cheap considering that everything seems to be made in China these days.  I think prices of goods are pretty much the same here in Manila. If you want cheap stuff, they’re in Guangdong where the production facilities are.

Tips on Shopping

Despite the inability of the majority of Chinese people to speak English, the merchants at main shopping districts can converse in English so you don’t have to worry about learning Chinese to shop.

• The main difference between Chinese and Filipino sellers at the “tiangge” is that the Chinese really wants to make a sale and will try to match your price if they can.
• It’s ok to ask for an item’s price but don’t start haggling if you have no plans of buying it. They would be very angry.
• It would help if you have an idea on an item’s worth before you start haggling. They give a very, very high starting price. A bag that they originally sell for 1200 RMB can also be bought for 100 RMB.
• Prepare smaller bills for paying the exact amount. Letting them see big bills won’t help you with your haggling.
• Be firm with your price. If they can’t match it, say sorry and leave. Chances are, they will run after you with your price so you better buy it. If they don’t, there are other stalls for you to go to. If nobody bites, then maybe your price is really low. Hehehe.

Actually, I find it easier to haggle in Beijing than in Manila where salespeople have no interest in making a sale (at least to locals).

Places to go shopping

Silk Street

The most popular shopping district in Beijing for your cheap counterfeit designer bags and clothes. The stalls are now located in a mall instead of an alley where it used to be before its debut in 2005. You can also find luggages, shoes, apparels, accessories, etc. in its five-storey building.

Silk Street has a subway access from Yong’anli station on Line 1.

Hongqiao Market

Goods sold in Silk Street can also be found at Hongqiao Market but this can be a nice side trip from Temple of Heaven. If you’ve been to the East Gate of Temple of Heaven then you will see this place on the other side of the street.

Exit at Tiantangdongmen Station on Line 5 and cross the overpass to reach Hongquiao Market.

Yansha Outlets

If you want to buy branded items that are not fake, head over to Yansha Outlets. It is a huge top-class Factory Outlet shopping center filled with international brands at a discounted price (which is still expensive hehe).

Unfortunately, it is not accessible via subway. Take a taxi instead unless you know how to communicate with the bus conductor.

Panjiayuan

The most popular flea market in Beijing is found in Panjiayuan and is only open during the weekends. Here you can find antique plates, porcelains, trinkets, handicrafts, jewelries and other assorted goods that you can’t find in malls and other shops.

My sister planned for us to go here but we were all set with souvenirs. To go there, get off Jingsong station on Line 10 and walk towards the market. It opens from 7AM to 5PM every weekend.

There you have it! Good luck shopping in Beijing!

This concludes my Beijing Trip series of posts. Apologies for the length of the series. Actually, we went to Lama Temple but I didn’t post about it because it wasn’t much of a tour. Just temples and buddhas that you’re probably sick of already after reading the other posts. Hehehe!

Till our next trip! See’ya!

Note: The photos are not mine and any credit belongs to their rightful owners.

You might also be interested in:

• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 12: Old Summer Palace
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 1: The Plan
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 7: Temple of Heaven
• Touring Beijing in Winter Part 9: The Egg, Tian’anmen Square and Qianmen Street

Filed under: Tips n' Trix, Travel