Don't be dismayed. Shopping in Beijing is just like at home, with a few twists and turns. Of course, a good rule of thumb is not to set your expectations too high. Obviously, the local Beijinger will have experienced incredible changes to what's on offer, and over the last number of years brand awareness will have grown nationwide. But as with all things in China, expect Chinese characteristics. And remember: haggle!
Modern Shopping Centres
Beijing's fast-growing modern retailing scene offers even the fussiest shopaholic just about anything they could possibly want.
The China World Shopping Mall brings together high-end boutiques in which you will find the latest fashions from around the world. Shoes, qipaos, evening dresses, casual wear? it is all here, along with plenty of eating options. With its location next to a subway and offices, it is a firm favorite in town.
The conveniently located Lufthansa Shopping Centre brings together everything from make-up, clothing outlets and shoe stores under one roof. Follow the escalators upwards and you will find it also stocks just about anything you could ever need for the kitchen, furniture, stationery and Chinese-style mementoes. Look out for bars, restaurants and a supermarket downstairs.
The Pacific Shopping Centre in the Sanlitun area of town is another large, spacious mall whose aim is to provide for your every need. That takes in a large cosmetics department, several floors of clothing for men, women and children and all sorts of household accessories and restaurants catering for every taste.
Aside from its enormous size, the first impression of The Malls at Oriental Plaza near bustling Wangfujing is the sheer diversity of goods on offer. Whether you are window-shopping for the latest fashion, stocking up on sports gear or on the lookout for a state-of-the-art computer, chances are you will find it here. As you'd expect, there is no shortage of eating options too. Look out to for one of the best selections of wedding rings in town.
The embarrassment of retail riches is continued at the plush Beijing One World Department Store whose spacious interior offers even the choosiest shopper top line brands from which to choose. Chinese and foreign name brands and stylish, high-end products are amongst the highlights.
The Beijing New World Shopping Centre is a mall with a twist. Many swear by its extensive range of high-end cosmetics and a popular membership programme offers rewards based on the amount you spend. Clothing, household goods and a basement grocery complete the picture. All of this is located inside a stylish-looking building.
Gifted with European and Japanese boutiques that you will, perhaps, struggle to find elsewhere in the city, Sogo is particularly popular amongst young office ladies for its fashions and regular discounts, plus its convenient location close to a subway. A well-stocked food court is another major draw. And children love the SEGA World section.
China World Shopping Mall
Add: 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Open: 9am-9:30pm
Lufthansa Shopping Centre
Add: 52 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
Open: 9am-10pm
Pacific Shopping Centre
Add: Pacific Plaza, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District
The Malls at Oriental Plaza
Add: 1 Dongchangan Jie
Beijing One World Department Store
Add: 99 Wangfujing Dajie
Open: 10am-10pm
Fulllink Plaza
Add: 18 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Beijing New World Shopping Centre
Add: 3 Chongwai Dajie, Chongwen District
Sogo
Add: 52 Xuannei Dajie, Xuanwu District
