When shopping in Beijing, keep an eye on objects of art with an oriental or local flavour and cultural artifacts of different dynasties. Beijing is representative of the finest arts and crafts China has to offer, but it is better known for four major varieties: cloisonné, ivory carving, jade ware, and lacquer ware. Objects that are of both aesthetic and practical value include epigraphic seals, traditional stationery, antiques, calligraphy and painting, traditional musical instruments, silks and embroidery, jewelry and precious stones, classical furniture, cashmere sweaters and hand knitted sweater. Folk art hunters are invariably faced with a dazzling array of products which run the gamut from figurines made from dough, clay and brocade to kites, paper cuts and masks modeled after a variety of Peking Opera facial makeup. A cornucopia of merchandises, including famous brands from around the world and articles of daily use, are available in the city's galaxy of malls, specialty shops and supermarkets, whose cozy environments and considerate clerks guarantee a relaxed and satisfying shopping experience for every visitor to Beijing.
SHOPPING PARADISES
Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing, situated north of Chang'an Boulevard East, has been around for well over a century as a well-known
shopping street in Beijing. Stores stand cheek by jowl on either side of the street, and the best known of them are Beijing Department Store, Shidu Emporium New Dong'an Market.
Qianmen Street
Already a major business center 500 years ago, Qianmen Street is clustered with old stores. Many stores on the "pedestrians only" Dashalan Street, for instance, are at least 100 years old.
Xidan Commercial Zone
With the newly built Xidan Cultural Plaza on its southern end, Xidan Street is yet another prosperous shopping zone of Beijing. Apart from such "giants" as Huawei Shopping Mall, Xidan Shopping Centre, Zhongyou Department Store and Xidan Emporium, there are also many specialty stores selling brand-name commodities. With an array of restaurants and fast food outlets in all manner of cuisine, Xidan is also an epicurean paradise.
Yinjie Street
Quite a few famous brands around the world have earned a niche in the specialty shops that cluster along Yinjie Street, or Silver Street, which refers to a stretch of Dongdan Street North.
Liulichang Cultural Street
An ocean of souvenirs are for sale in the stores that line both sides of the ancient cultural street at Liulichang Street beyond Xuanwu Gate. These include age-old stores that sell traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting, folk arts and crafts and second-hand books and periodicals. All the stores are housed in buildings that have retained old architectural styles. Shopping in this street is a de facto sightseeing tour as well.
Jianguomenwai Street
As befitted its reputation as a diplomatic mission zone, Jianguomenwai Street, or the street outside Jianguo Gate of Beijing, has developed a series of shopping and service facilities known for their neat and elegant environments. The famed Friendship Store, Scitech Shopping Centre, Guiyou Tower, Henderson Shopping Centre and COFCO Plaza are all in this street. The Xiushui Street Bazaar and the Yabaolu Market are favorites with visitors from overseas.
Chaowai Street
Chaowai Street, situated outside Chaoyang Gate, put its name on the map only a few years ago as a rising shopping zone. Growing robustly, it has attracted such giant shopping centers as Fenglian, Huapu and Landao.
GIFT SHOPS
NAME |
ADD |
Beijing Dowmtown Duty Free Shop |
West of Huawei Bridge, Dongsanhuan Nanlu |
Beijing Friendship Store |
17 Jianguomenwai Dajie |
White Peacock Arts and Crafts World |
Deshengmenwai, Beibinhelu |
Beijing Arts & Crafts Shop |
Wangfujing Dajie |
Beijing Yuanlong Silk Corporation, Ltd. |
15, Yongneidongjiezhongli |
Beijing Curio City |
West of Huawei Bridge, Dongsanhuan Nanlu |
Rongbaozhai Art Studio |
19, West Liulichang |
Tongrentang Pharmacy |
24, Dashilan, Xuanwu District |
Beijing Foreign Languages Bookstore |
Wangfujing Dajie |
Beijing Second-Hand Goods & Antiques Market |
Panjiayuan, Chaoyang District |
DEPARTMENT STORES
NAME |
ADD |
CVIK-yaohan Shopping Center |
22, Jianguomenwai Dajie Chaoyang District |
Beijing-Lufthansa Shopping City |
52, Liangmaqiao Chaoyang District |
China World Shopping Arcade |
1 Jianwai Dajie |
Guiyou Shopping Mall |
A5, Jianguomenwai Dajie |
Xidan Shopping Center |
Xidan Beitajie |
Beichen Shopping Center |
Asian Games |
Beijing Department Store |
255, Wangfujing Dajie |
New Dong’an Market |
Wangfujing Dajie |
Chang’an Department Store |
15, Fuxingmenwai Dajie |
Landao (Blue Island) Building |
Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District |
COFCO Plaza |
8, Jianneidajie |
Huatang Emporium |
Shilibao, Chaoyang District |