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Shopping |
| Beijing
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Shopaholics
will love Beijing. The popular Silk Alley (Xiushui Shichang) is a paradise
for silk clothing, stuffed toys, shoes and imitation goods among other
things. Vendors flog silk in all shapes and sizes - boxer shorts, ties,
scarves, lingerie, dresses and slinky nightgowns, with prices comparatively
cheaper than those in Hong Kong. A few blocks away from the Silk Alley
is Yabaolu Market or commonly known as the Russian Market. This place
is a huge clothing market that specializes in cotton and wool garments
as well as goose-down jackets.
Hongqiao
Farmers' Market is famous for its antiques. You are not expected to pay
exorbitant prices as most goods are under a century old. The best collection
of antique clocks and Mao paraphernalia are found here and a good souvenir
would be the 'youth of China' alarm clock, which features a rosy-cheeked
female Red Guard waving the Little Red Book on its face.
For traditional
Chinese paintings, calligraphy supplies and rare books, scavenge around
Liulichang. This is a street lined with antique and craft stores, filled
with ambience and mystery. Pay a visit to the Bird Market at Xizhimen
overpass where you will find an extensive array of feathered friends,
elegant handmade cages, ceramic feeders, and other avian accessories.
Three of
the liveliest shopping streets in the city center are Wangfujing, Xidan
and Dongdan. Inexpensive local goods such as leather and furs are obtainable
at bargain prices; more boutiques, watch stores and ice-cream shops are
currently replacing the old standbys.
You can also
shop at new-venture shopping centers, which are capitalism's answers for
one-stop shoppers. China's nouveau riche, tourists and window shoppers
are drawn to these glossy, brightly-lit shopping venues. Examples of these
centers are the Lufthansa Centre and Yaohan.
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