Beijing, China is one of the best tourist attraction places in China and is well-known for many commodities covering every field possible. People love shopping in Beijing, whether it's for themselves, or for remembrance or as a gift for friends or family waiting back home.
Beijing has a wide range of shopping centers, shopping malls, plazas. Here is the list of shopping areas and famous things you can buy from Beijing.
Best Things to Buy in Beijing
Cloisonne Things （景泰蓝）
Cloisonne is a traditional handicraft featuring models like tripod, ashtray, lantern, stationary, quadripod etc. – all these items come in various sizes and colors.
The origin of Cloisonne (things made from copper wire) is reported during Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368) but it developed as a proper art form much later in the 15th century
Where to buy: Cloisonne Things can be bought from the Silk Market, Crafts Store, Beijing Art, and Yaxiu Market at Wangfujing Street
Jasmine Tea （茉莉花茶）
Jasmine tea is typical of China. It is basically a scented tea made from green tea and fresh jasmine flowers, which give it a beautiful aroma.
The origin of Jasmine tea is from Song Dynasty and it became popular in dynasties that followed.
Where to buy: Zhang Yiyuan. Headquarter at Dashilan 22, Qianmen, Xuanwu District.
Ruifuxiang Old-styled Chinese Gown（北京瑞蚨祥）
The Ruifuxiang is a famous silk store. It was originated by Mengs in the year 1863. The word Ruifuxiang refers to the “Qingfu”, which is known to be a lucky insect that can bring wealth.
People of China believe in this idea a lot, which is evident from the use of Ruifuxiang silk on the very first national flag of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Various silk products are made from Ruifuxiang silk-like satins, coarse clothes however among all of them, Men Traditional Chinese Gowns are considered best.
Where to buy: Ruifuxiang Traditional Chinese Gown can be purchased from Wangfujing Street 190, Dongcheng District
Zhongguo Jie (Chinese traditional knots) (中国结）
The Zhongguo are known as Chinese knots. They are artistic knots which are used as a symbol of good health and happiness every year and is given to people as a sign of blessing.
The origin of these knots is said to be from the Tang and Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) and was continued by upcoming dynasties. It was initiated by Chinese folk people.
Where to buy: Silk Market, Hongqiao Market, Yaxiu Market,
Beijing Lord Rabbit Figurines
One of the famous products in Beijing is the Lord Rabbit figurine. Once upon a time, they were used for worship on Mid-Autumn day. However, now it is a popular children's toy. It portrays a cute little rabbit having a strong, powerful pose. The history of this goes back to the Ming dynasty when they are said to emerge for the very first time. Since then, they were made symbolically from clay and were used as a sign of worship.
Where to buy: Nan Luo Gu Xiang 80, Dong Cheng District are the places to buy these Lord Rabbit Figurines
Peking Opera Masks
The significance of facial makeup in Beijing Opera lies in their history. Masks are only worn by performers while they act of dance. However, not all performers wear masks, only performers with the role of “jing” and “chou can wear them
A Jing in Beijing opera can have multiple facial masks including: “whole face”, “three-tile face”, “quartered face”, “lopsided face” etc. Whereas the chou has comparatively few facials makeup patterns and is recognized by his white-painted nose.
Where to buy: The masks can be easily available from Silk Market, Yaxiu Market, Hongqiao Market
Er guo tou (Chinese Firewater)
Er guo tou meaning “Chinese vodka” or “Chinese white liquor”). It is a kind of distilled liquor called baijiu which is made up of 56% of alcohol i.e. sorghum. This beverage is relatively cheaper here and is considered a common drink among the people of Beijing. It is very much popular among blue-collar workers in Beijing.
Beijing Shopping Malls
Wangfujing Shopping Street
Wangfujing Shopping Street is one of the oldest and famous shopping streets in Beijing. The place includes all kind of commodities like bookstores, snack shops, clothes, and small restaurants. There is also a classical photography studio here.
Qianmen Street
Qianmen Street is also located near Tian'anmen Square. Therefore it is recommended to visit this place after a night tour of Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City, The building here is built according to ancient times and looks more appealing at night with lights and pleasant weather.
There is also a tram present in between the vintage lights which are built according to old Chinese style. Qianmen Street is undoubtedly distinguished from other shopping areas in Beijing.
Xidan Commercial Street
Also known as "the second Wangfujing of Beijing", it is so called because like this place also has a wide range of shopping places with all kind of stuff including food, clothes etc.
The shopping areas contain famous brands from all around the world plus there are other products that generally attract customers.
Xidan Commercial Street is a great place for cultural interaction as well as for dining, entertainment, and shopping. There are many snack shops, small restaurants and a cinema (Beijing Capital Cinema)
The architecture of the buildings is well designed giving them a great look, especially at nights.
Sanlitun Village
Wish to experience the lifestyle of Beijing? Sanlitun village is the place to go. People from the 1980's and 1990's gather around and arrange activities and celebrate festivals with enthusiasm. It's really a sight to watch. The buildings here are better built than other areas of Beijing and they have various branded clothes for young people. This place turns in to dream world after evening. Once you are done shopping and you wish to relax and have some cold beverage, you can always go to Sanlitun Bar Street, they have good service. You can stay there till late night as well because taxis are available all night, so there is no problem of transport after midnight.
Visiting Antique Markets
If you are looking forward to going shopping, there is a scheduled duration on our tour for evening shopping. Tours will not be taking you to any shopping areas apart from this scheduled time.
If you need some help in shopping areas with language, bargaining or recommendation, you can let us know and we will arrange a person for you to help you out with these things.