Shopping in Beijing

There are plenty of shopping places in Beijing now—ranging from souvenirs, rip-off designer wares, pirate dvds, fake Chinese antiques, reasonably priced electronics and more. One must be cautioned of the lack of standards and the no return policy in almost 98% of stores. Since the 2008 Olympics, Credit cards are now widely accepted.

Here are the main shopping areas...

Wangfujing Street. Lots of different stores mostly selling souvenirs. Prices not too bad. If you dig around some things can be found cheaper.

Xidan Area. Many large department stores selling good brand fixed price goods including electronic equipment like DVD players. Credit cards widely accepted for electronics and expensive items. Other malls selling cheap clothing with bargaining.

Xiu Shui Jie Shopping Mall/Siu Shui Market. Market-style shopping mall for tourists selling all kinds of clothing, bags, replica designer labels etc. All prices are negotiable so good bargaining skills are essential.

Hong Qiao Market. Located in the south central area of Beijing, this indoor market is popular with foreign students. It is a good source of extremely cheap no-name or fake brand electronics, sunglasses, batteries, watches etc. Bargaining also required.