Markets and Malls in Beijing
Hong Qiao Market
Best known for pearls (hence its alternative name, the "Pearl Market"), with a huge range available, freshwater and seawater, up on the third floor. The floors below are a tight compress of clothing, shoes, electronics, and more, while in the basement is a pungent, but fascinating market for fish, frogs, and snakes.
Oriental Plaza
A large mall that stretches a whole city block and boasts several levels of top-end retailers including Paul Smith, Swarovski, Sisley, Max Mara, and Apple. There are also a couple of supermarkets, a sizeable pharmacy, a big CD and DVD store, and an excellent food court.
Yaxiu Market
At the center of the embassy district of Sanlitun, Yaxiu (or Yashow) offers: four floors of clothing, bags, shoes, and sportswear, plus some jewelry, nail salons, and a bunch of tailors on the top floor who can run up a gent's suit for around ?350.
Panjiayuan Antique Market
As much a tourist attraction as a shopping experience, Panjiayuan is home to around 3,000 dealers peddling everything from broken bicycles to family heirlooms.
China World Shopping Mall
Beijing's ritziest mall is attached to the equally luxurious China World Hotel. The mall, which is also known as Guomao, is home to elite international brands such as Moschino, Prada, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton. Prices are at least as expensive as back home.
Dong Jiao Wholesale Market
In a series of hangar-like buildings southeast of SOHO, traders sell just about anything and everything. It is where restaurants and hotels buy pots and pans, schools come for classroom supplies, service staff buy uniforms, and small traders and cooks come for fresh fruit and vegetables. You may not need a carton of 1,000 chopsticks, but it is fascinating to browse, all the same.
Lai Tai Market
This covered market, just north of the Third Ring Road, not far from the Kempinski hotel, is an appealing mix of garden center and tropical fish store. Half the vast ground floor is filled with bamboo, cactus, and ornamental rockeries, while the other half is all large aquariums of brightly colored marine life – plus ceramics downstairs.
Aliens Street Market
Bizarre name, but the aliens in question are the Russians, who do most of the buying and selling here.
Grand World Electrical Market
Pick up a used mobile phone for under ?300, or a new model for two-thirds the normal retail price. Aside from phones, there are three floors packed with TVs, CD and mp3 players, and games consoles.
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