There is a unique feeling about shopping in Beijing that cannot be found anywhere else. Despite the rapid modernization drive encroaching almost everywhere, some of the old, unusual and exciting Hutongs with their mysterious Siheyuan(courtyards) remain intact in this splendid city.
Strolling around the old streets, just let your imagination run wild with how the scene must have looked like in ancient times, when camel caravans arrived at the city gates and unloaded exotic spices and other goods brought from faraway places.
Today, the camels are long gone and almost anything, Chinese or Western, is available for a price. The joint venture hotels, shops and boutiques are full of soft cashmere and silk, while a wide variety of Chinese arts and crafts beckon to be purchased, At the same time, sidewalk vendors peddle everything from pots to suits. Although prices for some items may see high, there are still bargains to be found by the shrewd.
There are various places to go for shopping, depending on what buyers expect and the prices they are prepared to pay.
Wangfujing Street, Xidan Commercial Area, Dong Si Commercial Area and Qianmen Dajie are four of the city's largest shopping districts. Silver Street for Western-style outlets. Shopping centers and designated tourism-administration stores usually have a better environment than the above mentioned places.
Shopping centers are scattered throughout the city. Around them are usually other service facilities. In recent years, amid fierce competition, most shopping centers have improved their interior decoration and design, and tend to have longer opening hours. The SCITECH Plaza, for instance, stays open until 9:30 in the evening.
Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing street, running north from the Beijing Hotel, is the busiest commercial area with a large selection of stores. This, along with Xidan, is perhaps the safest bet for those unfamiliar with the cost of items in Beijing since the competition has kept prices reasonable. It is largely for the sane reasonable that the area is over-crowded. And right mow a gigantic renovation project is underway on the east side of the street.
Xidan Commercial Area
Xidan Commercial Area, north of west Chang'an Avenue, gives a wide range of shopping options. At one end is the Xidan Market, the largest shop in this area. The old store has recently undergone major renovation, which gives it a completely new and modern look. Its open shelves, spacious shopping area, great variety of goods and the warm and understanding staff are a boon. Next to the market is Xidan shopping Center.
Dongsi Commercial Area
Dongsi Commercial Area, at the north end of Wangfujing, developed from the old fair around Longfu Temple. There are shops of every size. Longfu Building is one of Beijing's four biggest department stores and there are many privately-owned stalls along the adjacent streets.
Qianmen Dajie and Dashilan
Qianmen Dajie and Dashilan, (or Dazhalan) to the south of Tian'anmen Square, has been a commercial center for five centuries, overflowing with traditional shops. This is the favorite shopping area for local residents, with stores such as the 400-year -old Liubiju Pickle Shop, the Yueshenzhai pickled Beef Shop that uses a two-centuries-old brine recipe to pickle its beef the Tongrentang Pharmacy, the oldest Chinese medicine store that still keeps secret recipes of the Qing court, and the Ruifuxiang Silk and Cloth Store.
Silver Street
Silver Street, at Dongdan Beidajie, runs parallel to Wangfujing Street, one block east. It has become a fashionable area for Western-style outlets.
Tourism-Administration-Designated Stores
Tourism-administration-designated stores are specially open for overseas guests but an increasing number of local residents also shop here because of the stores' unique stock and good service. They are ideal places to buy arts and crafts, antiques and other Beijing specialties. Postal and consigning services, and money changing are also offered.
Century-Old Stores
Century-old stores, like those in Beijing's Hutongs (alleys) and Siheyuan (courtyards), have become part of the city's history. Their fame and location in some of the most bustling downtown areas keep them busy but, at the same time, the stores are small and offer a relatively poor shopping environment. And competition is rising from the rubble of modern construction. In recent years, most traditional stores have made changes to keep up with their rivals, including renovating their facades and interior decorations, and upgrading services. Shopping in some of the best of the stores can be a unique "Chinese" experience.