Beijing, China Travel Guide
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Silk Market (Xīu Shŭi Jīe Guáng Cháng)
Overview: Located directly east of the Forbidden City between the 2nd and 3rd Ring Roads on Chang’an. It’s a 5 level mall chalk full of stalls and vendors selling anything from fake True Religion jeans to fake brand name luggage to Chinese knick knacks to jewelry. Each floor has a heavy presence of particular items. For instance, the basement has more luggage, third floor has more clothing. On the ground or street level of the building, there’s a strip of restaurants and cafes. A nice one is . . . which sells Italian food.
Bargaining and Negotiating at Bejing’s Silk Market is a must here. One of my friends was interested in a duffle bag with some sort of brand name. They first quoted 2400 Yuan. That’s $350.00 USD! He worked the price down to 400 Yuan. The conversion is about $58. He saved about $300. He looked incredulous at the sales person and said no way. She cut the price in half immediately. He countered with 200 Yuan. Then, they worked out the 400 Yuan. There’s no hard and fast rule on how much the sales people at the market upcharge but you can bet your bottom dollar that items aren’t worth 30% of the original sales price.
Be willing to walk away and you’ll pretty much get the item at the price you want.
Location: Chang’an Ave near Ritan Park and Yong An Li Line 1 subway station.
(秀水街（广场)
8 Xiushui E St, Chaoyang, Beijing
Cost: No fee to enter the market.
Accessibility: Beijing’s Silk Market is accessible. There is a ramp at the entrance and an elevator inside.
Getting There: Cab cost around 10 Yuan from Tiananmen Square.