Beijing Shopping Guide
From bargaining at legendary markets to discovering modern malls — find the perfect souvenirs and gifts with insider tips that save you money.
Best Shopping Areas
Silk Market (Xiushui)
RECOMMENDEDBargain Market
$
The classic tourist bargaining market. Best for silk scarves, cashmere, tailor-made shirts, luggage, and souvenir shopping if you are ready to negotiate hard.
Best for: Clothes, silk products, electronics, knockoffs
Tips:
- • Start at 30-40% of asking price
- • Cash is better than card
- • Go early to avoid crowds
- • Take your time - it's a game
Panjiayuan Market
RECOMMENDEDAntiques & Curios
$-$$$
Beijing's most famous flea and curios market. Come for antiques, Mao-era objects, calligraphy, ceramics, and the thrill of hunting through unpredictable stalls.
Best for: Antiques, art, jade, cultural souvenirs
Tips:
- • Come early (8-9am) on weekends
- • Quality varies - examine carefully
- • Bargaining expected
- • Authenticity not guaranteed
Wangfujing Street
Modern Shopping
$$-$$$
A straightforward choice if you want modern shopping without bargaining pressure. Good for branded goods, department stores, snacks, and easy first-time browsing.
Best for: Branded goods, modern shopping, souvenirs
Tips:
- • Prices are fixed (no bargaining)
- • Better for quality items
- • Good English service
- • Try the snack street too
Sanlitun / Taikoo Li
Modern Mall
$$$-$$$$
The polished side of Beijing shopping. Better for designer labels, clean restrooms, coffee breaks, and gifts you actually want to carry home.
Best for: Designer items, gifts, fashion
Tips:
- • Beautiful architecture
- • Higher prices
- • No bargaining
- • Great restaurants nearby
Must-Buy Souvenirs in Beijing
Chinese Tea
$10-100+
A strong souvenir because it packs well, lasts a long time, and feels unmistakably Chinese. Jasmine tea and rock tea are easy starting points for most travelers.
Silk Products
$10-200
Scarves, pajamas, and robes are the easiest silk buys. Quality varies wildly, so touch the fabric and compare several shops before you decide.
Jade
$5-1000+
Jade is beautiful but easy to overpay for. Buy modest pieces unless you are shopping with someone who understands stone quality and pricing.
Chinese Herbs & Medicine
$5-100
Tongrentang and similar old medicine brands are more trustworthy than random market stalls. Good for gifts, but avoid expensive miracle-claim products.
Paper Lanterns
$5-50
A light, practical decorative gift that feels distinctly Beijing. Choose versions that fold flat so they survive the suitcase home.
Calligraphy & Paintings
$10-500
A great choice if you want something personal rather than generic. Smaller scrolls and postcards travel better than oversized framed pieces.
Shopping Tips for Foreign Visitors
Bargain Politely
Bargaining is expected at markets. Start at 30-50% of the asking price and negotiate respectfully. Smile — it goes a long way.
Cash is King
Many market vendors prefer cash. Bring enough small bills. Cards are accepted at malls but not at markets or street stalls.
Watch for Fakes
Counterfeit goods are common at tourist markets. Buy from reputable shops for authentic products. If the price seems too good, it probably is.
Inspect Before Buying
Always check items thoroughly before paying. Test electronics, check for defects, and ensure the quality matches the price you're paying.
Walk Away First
Walking away is your best bargaining tool. If a vendor doesn't accept your offer, start to leave — they'll often call you back.
Ask About Tax Refund
You can get a VAT refund at the airport for purchases over ¥500 at designated tax-free shops. Keep your receipts and ask for the tax refund form.
Useful Bargaining Phrases
English: How much?
Chinese: 多少钱?
English: Too expensive!
Chinese: 太贵了!
English: Can you give a discount?
Chinese: 能便宜点吗?
English: I'll take it if you lower the price
Chinese: 便宜点我就买
English: I'll look around first
Chinese: 我先看看
English: No thanks, too expensive
Chinese: 谢谢，太贵了
Ready to Shop Beijing?
Start with our cost calculator to budget for shopping, then explore our food guide for edible souvenirs.