Shopping in Beijing: Best Streets, Local Markets & Top Malls

Global Team
02 Jun 2025 - 8 min read

When I first arrived in Beijing, I couldn’t wait to check out the shopping scene—and I wasn’t disappointed. I wandered through buzzing streets lined with quirky stalls, picked up fun souvenirs in hidden markets, and lost track of time inside massive malls packed with both local brands and big international names. I found it super easy to get around, and every corner seemed to have something new to browse or try on. Whether I was after something trendy, traditional, or totally unexpected, shopping in Beijing felt like a fun mix of old and new, with surprises around every turn.

As someone who loves a bit of retail therapy, shopping in Beijing felt like diving headfirst into an exciting mix of old and new. From hunting down deals to strolling through fancy malls, I had a blast uncovering the best spots across the city. Here’s my personal take on the top places to shop, snack, and maybe splurge a little.

Bargain Hunting: First-Time Visitor’s Delight

.Silk Street has over 1,700 retail shops with wide selection of counterfeit designer brand apparel.

.Silk Street has over 1,700 retail shops with wide selection of counterfeit designer brand apparel.

1. Silk Street (秀水街)

I had so much fun bargaining here. This place, also known as the Silk Street Market Beijing, is packed with souvenirs, fake designer bags, silk scarves, and clothes. You’ve got to haggle—it's all part of the experience.
Location: No.8 Xiushui East Street, Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM

2. Hongqiao Pearl Market (虹桥珍珠市场)

This was my go-to for pearls, gadgets, and traditional gifts. It’s a few minutes from the Temple of Heaven, which made it a perfect stop after sightseeing.
Location: No.9 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Famous Shopping Streets in Beijing

3. Wangfujing Street (王府井大街)

I felt like I was walking through Beijing’s retail heart. There’s everything here—from snacks to big-name stores and some great Beijing department stores. I especially loved the traditional Chinese pharmacy tucked among the modern shops.
Location: Dongcheng District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

4. Qianmen Street (前门大街)

This historic street gave me old-Beijing vibes with its Chinese architecture and quaint boutiques. I picked up traditional crafts and took a vintage-style tram ride just for fun.
Location: South of Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

5. Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷)

This narrow lane was buzzing with energy. I found funky clothes, retro knick-knacks, and the cutest cafes. It felt like a cool mix of history and hipster.
Location: Dongcheng District
Opening Hours: Varies by shop, usually 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

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Traditional Shopping Experiences in Beijing

6. Panjiayuan Antique Market (潘家园古玩市场)

I could’ve spent hours sifting through old coins, porcelain, and calligraphy tools. This market is a treasure chest for vintage lovers.
Location: No.18 Huawei Li, Panjiayuan Road, Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

7. Liulichang Street (琉璃厂街)

This street is famous for Chinese painting materials and antiques. I watched artists grind ink and handcraft brushes—it felt like stepping back in time.
Location: Xicheng District
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Shopping Malls Locals Like to Go

8. Xidan Shopping District (西单购物中心)

When I wanted to shop like a local, Xidan was the place. There are tons of fashion stores and snack spots. It had a younger, more casual vibe.
Location: Xicheng District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

9. Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park (蓝色港湾)

I loved the lakeside views here. It’s open-air and filled with boutique stores, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Location: No.6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

10. Sanlitun Soho (三里屯soho)

This was my fashion fix spot—super modern, full of cool shops and buzzing bars. It’s also a great place to people-watch.
Location: Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Beijing’s Luxury Shopping Gems

Sanlitun SOHO, a five shopping malls and nine office/apartment buildings

Sanlitun SOHO, a five shopping malls and nine office/apartment buildings

11. SKP Beijing (北京SKP)

I wasn’t really planning on buying luxury goods, but browsing here was a treat. The brands are top-end, and everything felt sleek and elegant.
Location: No.87 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

12. China World Mall

This is where I mixed luxury shopping with tasty eats. From designer shops to fancy bakeries, I felt like I could stay here all day.
Location: No.1 Jianguomen Outer Street, Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Unique and Trendy Shopping Experiences in Beijing

13. 798 Art District (798艺术区)

Wandering through old factory buildings turned art spaces was such a creative break from the usual shopping. I picked up artsy souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
Location: No.4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

14. SKP-S Department Store

This place felt like a futuristic shopping world. Each section had a theme, and I loved how creative the whole layout was.
Location: Attached to SKP Beijing, Jianguo Road
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

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Shopping for Local Goods and Souvenirs in Beijing

15. Maliandao Tea Street (马连道茶城) (Beijing tea shop scene)

If you love tea, you’ll love this place. I walked into shop after shop, sampling different brews and chatting with locals about flavours. Maliandao is the best-known tea shopping street in Beijing.
Location: Xicheng District
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

16. Palace Museum Shop

I couldn’t visit the Forbidden City without popping into the Palace Museum Shop. Tucked inside the grounds, it’s packed with beautiful keepsakes—think silk scarves, delicate porcelain replicas, calligraphy sets, and traditional bookmarks. I picked up a lovely notebook with old imperial patterns that now lives on my desk.

Location: Inside the Forbidden City, Beijing

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (same as the museum hours)

17 .Beijing Jade Factory

Now, this place was a bit of a surprise. I visited the Beijing Jade Factory on a whim, and ended up learning more about jade than I ever expected to. Watching the craftsmen at work was honestly fascinating—they’re proper skilled, carving away with such care.

Location: 136 N 3rd Ring Middle Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tech & Specialty Stores

Xiaomi Store Beijing

One of my favourite stops is the Xiaomi Store in Beijing, tucked away in No. 8 Xiushui East Street, Chaoyang District. The first time I went, I honestly just planned to have a look—and ended up spending almost an hour playing around with everything from phones to smart home gadgets, there’s always the option to shop online. Xiaomi’s official website and app are easy to navigate, and I found delivery times to be surprisingly quick in most cases

Location: No. 8 Xiushui East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

China

Hotel Eclat Beijing

Central Business District

SGD 261

SGD 245

Tips for First-Time Visitors: Shopping in Beijing Made Easy

When I first tried shopping in Beijing, I had no idea how much variety I’d run into—from the buzzing Silk Street Market Beijing to glossy Beijing malls. If you’re visiting for the first time, here are a few personal tips that helped me get the most out of my experience.

Don’t Be Shy to Bargain
Especially in markets like the Beijing Silk Market, I quickly learned that bargaining wasn’t rude—it was expected. I started off a bit nervous, but once I got the hang of it, I found it fun and rewarding. A little confidence and a smile go a long way.
Carry Cash and a Translation App
Some of the smaller shops, especially in street markets, didn’t accept international cards. I found it much easier to pay in cash. Having a translation app also helped me explain what I wanted or ask about prices.
Know Where You’re Going
Each shopping area has its own charm. For souvenirs and silk scarves, the Silk Street Market Beijing was my go-to. If I wanted something modern or brand-name, a Beijing mall like SKP or Sanlitun Soho had everything. And when I was in the mood for a proper department store experience, I headed to the classic Beijing department stores in Xidan or Wangfujing.
Dress for Comfort
I ended up walking loads more than I expected—between metro rides and wandering through market stalls, comfortable shoes were a lifesaver.
Try Local Snacks While You Shop
Street food made the whole day more exciting. While browsing around places like Wangfujing Street or Qianmen, I grabbed skewers, pancakes, and bubble tea between shops. Shopping with a full belly just felt better.
Be Aware of Quality and Fakes
In markets, not everything is genuine, especially branded goods. I stuck to things like souvenirs, scarves, and tea when buying from markets, and left the designer stuff to proper shops inside Beijing malls and Beijing department stores.
Timing is Everything
I noticed mornings were calmer, while evenings got quite busy. I preferred hitting big malls and department stores before lunch, and the livelier street markets in the late afternoon.
Be Curious and Open
Shopping in Beijing gave me more than bags of stuff—I met helpful shopkeepers, tasted local life, and even learned a bit of Mandarin. I found that just being curious and friendly opened doors everywhere I went.
Bonus Tip for Heritage Lovers

If you're into a bit of old-school charm and enjoy places with a bit of history, I’d really recommend dropping by the Beijing Friendship Store. I’d heard about it from a friend who remembered it from back in the day, and popping in felt like taking a peek into a slice of Beijing’s past. It’s one of those spots that used to be the go-to for foreign visitors and diplomats, and while it’s a bit quieter now, I found the mix of traditional crafts, classic souvenirs, and even some quirky finds quite fun to browse. There’s a calm, nostalgic feel about the place that I really liked—it’s a nice contrast to the busier shopping areas around town.

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If you’re planning a visit, just dive in with a sense of fun. From gliding through a swanky Beijing mall to chatting with locals at the silk street market Beijing, shopping in Beijing was one of the most surprising highlights of my trip.

I found planning everything ahead really helpful, especially with so many great places to explore—from the bustle of Silk Street Market Beijing to some seriously sleek Beijing malls. I booked my attraction tickets, flights, and hotels straight through the Traveloka App and honestly, it made the whole experience so much smoother. I liked how I could compare options, check reviews, and grab deals all in one place. If you're thinking about diving into shopping in Beijing, whether it’s exploring quirky finds, hunting down deals at the Beijing Silk Market, or strolling through top Beijing department stores, I’d definitely recommend giving the app a go—it took the hassle out of planning and left me more time (and energy) to shop!

In This Article

• Bargain Hunting: First-Time Visitor’s Delight
• 1. Silk Street (秀水街)
• 2. Hongqiao Pearl Market (虹桥珍珠市场)
• Famous Shopping Streets in Beijing
• 3. Wangfujing Street (王府井大街)
• 4. Qianmen Street (前门大街)
• 5. Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷)
• Traditional Shopping Experiences in Beijing
• 6. Panjiayuan Antique Market (潘家园古玩市场)
• 7. Liulichang Street (琉璃厂街)
• Shopping Malls Locals Like to Go
• 8. Xidan Shopping District (西单购物中心)
• 9. Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park (蓝色港湾)
• 10. Sanlitun Soho (三里屯soho)
• Beijing’s Luxury Shopping Gems
• 11. SKP Beijing (北京SKP)
• 12. China World Mall
• Unique and Trendy Shopping Experiences in Beijing
• 13. 798 Art District (798艺术区)
• 14. SKP-S Department Store
• Shopping for Local Goods and Souvenirs in Beijing
• 15. Maliandao Tea Street (马连道茶城) (Beijing tea shop scene)
• 16. Palace Museum Shop
• 17 .Beijing Jade Factory
• Tech & Specialty Stores
• Xiaomi Store Beijing
• Tips for First-Time Visitors: Shopping in Beijing Made Easy

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 1 Jul 2025
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