Beijing Shopping Tips

Beijing is a true shopper's paradise. As capital of China, Beijing has been a center for commerce for centuries. Shopping in Beijing is different from shopping in Hong Kong or New York, since not only famous brand name fashions are available, but also many local products from around China that cannot be found anywhere else. There are many unique shops in Beijing that have been in operation for centuries and still offer the same high quality products that they have always offered. Beijing is full of areas that sell wonderfully unique Beijing items. Things like Peking (Beijing) Opera masks, handmade toys, Shadow Puppets, and traditional clothing are all available.

Wangfujing Street:
Located near Tiananmen Square, very few visitors to Beijing fail to miss this famous shopping street. It is Beijing's hippest and most fashionable shopping area. There are many shopping malls and smaller shops located along this street. This street offers name brand fashions, jewelry, books, tea, and a number of shops that were founded hundreds of years ago.

Nanluoguxiang (South Gong and Drum Lane):
Visiting Nanluoguxiang Lane is a unique experience. Many of the streets shop owners are local designers and artists. Here visitors can purchase handmade pottery, have paper cuts made to order, and purchase a custom tailored clothing. The lane has numerous cafes and the atmosphere here is one of creativity.

Liulichang Street (Glass Street):
Named for the colored glazed tile factories that were located along the street, Liulichang Street became a commercial area in the beginning of the Qing Dynasty. This street offers wonderful mementos of a trip to China. The street features shops that sell calligraphy and art, jewelry, traditional hand painted fans, Chinese ornaments, and antiques both real and artificial. Many of the shops are built into the style of the Qing Dynasty.

Maliandao Tea Street:
For anyone interested in Chinese tea, this street is an absolute must. It is the largest tea market in Beijing and offers visitors some of the finest teas from throughout China. Shops offer everything from tea, to exquisite items used in the making and enjoyment of tea. Shop owners are happy to give visitors a sample of different kinds of tea and demonstrate how it is brewed.

Dashilan Street:
Famous for its ancient architecture, Dashilan Street is home to many of China's oldest brands. Many of them date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Tongrentang Drugstore was founded by Emperor Kangxi's Imperial Doctor in the beginning of the Qing Dynasty. Its doctors still create prescriptions the way they did hundreds of years ago. The Ruifuxiang Shop has been selling silk and fabric for over a hundred years.

Panjiayuan Antique Market:
A major attraction for visitors from China and across the globe, the Panjiayuan Antique Market sells something for everyone. Founded in 1992, it occupies an area of over 48,500 square meters. The market offers paintings, jewelry, jade, folk arts, books, and antiques, both real and imaginary.

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Beijing ancient shops    Beijing special notes    Beijing transportantion