Top 6 Best Places for Shopping in Beijing
It’s no secret that China is the world factory. Almost everything in your daily life is from China. When travelers come to Beijing, it is a great place to make your money go further. This guide will introduce you to some of the newer & lesser-known, yet best places to shop in Beijing, along with the best tips for bargaining. Here are six worthy places to splash your RMB.
#1 Beijing Panjiayuan Flea Market or Antique Market 潘家园古玩市场
The best place to find unique souvenirs is the Panjiayuan Market, also known as The Dirt Market. It is Beijing’s largest and best-known arts, crafts, and antique market. You can find Chinese antiques, artworks, furniture, and handmade crafts.
Good to know: Panjiayuan Glasses City, just a 5-minute walk from the market, is the best and cheapest place to buy glasses in Beijing. There are over 5 floors full of shops offering glasses at reasonable prices. Some glasses can be finished in 1–2 hours, while special or expensive ones may take a day.
Open Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 – 18:00; Saturday and Sunday 16:00 – 18:00 (weekends busier)
How to get there: Subway to Panjiayuan station (line 10) or taxi to Panjiayuan market (In Chinese 潘家园古玩城)
#2 Beijing Silk Street 秀水街
Formerly an outdoor market, Silk Street is now covered and is one of the most visited by foreign tourists. You can find almost everything: watches, bags, electronics, jerseys, t-shirts, and more. Be prepared to bargain hard; prices often start much higher than expected.
Open Hours: 09:30 – 21:00
How to get there: Subway to Yonganli station (line 1) or taxi to Silk Street (In Chinese 秀水街)
#3 Beijing Hongqiao Market or Pearl Market 红桥市场
Hongqiao Market is similar to Silk Street but generally cheaper. It retains a street market feel where bargaining is essential. You’ll find pearls, clothes, shoes, electronics, and more. Conveniently, it is just a 5-minute walk from the Temple of Heaven.
Open Hours: 09:30 – 19:00
How to get there: Subway to Tiantandongmen (line 5) or taxi to Hongqiao Market (In Chinese 红桥市场)
#4 Beijing Liulichang and Qianmen Street 琉璃厂 & 前门街
Liulichang specializes in Chinese art, antiques, and artist tools, including handmade brushes. From there, walk east through historic Beijing hutongs to reach Qianmen Street, a 2km long street reflecting over 600 years of shopping history with restored traditional architecture and countless small shops.
How to get there: Subway to Qianmen Station (line 2)
#5 Beijing Nanluoguxiang Shopping Street 南锣鼓巷步行街
Converted Hutongs now host modern coffee shops and Chinese gift stores. You can find tea containers, clothes, sneakers, notebooks, bags, and more. Walking the historic alleyways, some over 800 years old, gives a sense of traditional Beijing life.
How to get there: Subway to Nanluoguxiang Station (line 6 and line 8)
#6 Beijing Xidan Shopping Center 西单购物中心
One of Beijing’s largest shopping districts, Xidan rivals Wangfujing but is more popular with locals due to lower prices. It features shopping malls, outdoor markets, restaurants, and entertainment centers.
How to get there: Subway to Xidan Station (line 1 and line 5)
Tips for Bargaining in Beijing Markets
Most local shopping malls don’t require bargaining. But for outdoor markets, Silk Street, and Pearl Market, these tips will help you save money:
- Tip 1: Don’t offer your price directly. Listen to the shop owner first; they will often lower it quickly.
- Tip 2: Try buying from the 2nd shop. If you leave to check other stores, the first shop may match the price.
- Tip 3: Don’t hesitate to leave. Walk away and don’t turn back immediately.
- Tip 4: Offer around 10% of the first quoted price. In many tourist malls, you can get up to 90% off if you bargain smartly.
Enjoy your shopping in Beijing! Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions or want to share your own shopping tips.
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