City: Beijing
Top Things to do in Beijing
The 10 Best Shopping in Beijing, China
Welcome to a capital city whose story goes back at least 3000 years. In Beijing, you'll find a wealth of history, both ancient (the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Summer Palace, Forbidden City) and more recent (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, Tiananmen Square). For the best market experience, choose the Dirt Market over the touristy Silk Market. A visit to the Great Wall, the longest manmade structure in the world, is absolutely essential.
Restaurants in Beijing
1. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
UCCA was founded in 2007 by Guy and Miriam Ullens as the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art. In 2017, it evolved into the UCCA Group, under the ownership and stewardship of a new group of patrons and shareholders. Committed to the belief that art can deepen lives and transcend boundaries, UCCA presents a wide range of exhibitions, public programs, and research initiatives to a public of more than one million visitors each year.
Reviewed By Medvedev1964 - Sydney, Australia
Made a special trip out to the 798 Art District - a long way out on the Metro. We went to the UCCA and discovered the Sarah Morris exhibition. Without doubt, one of the best exhibitions we had ever been to. We only had a few hours and regretted leaving - we could have spent all day there. Other exhibitions were OK but this was amazing. It was worth the trip.
2. 798 Art Zone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,373 reviews
This bustling area is a hub for contemporary Chinese art with a wide array of different styles. This old factory compound has been perfectly converted to house numerous galleries and bookshops & cafes.
Reviewed By TheOExpress - Hong Kong, China
...during the day at least. At night it becomes eerily quiet, although that can be nice too as it affords some time to explore in peace and quiet. Anyway, back to why it’s so special: East London and Brooklyn have nothing on the industrial chic of this article zone’, in terms of either scale or quality. The array of art galleries and amazing spaces is just breathtaking. Once you’ve seen the Wall and the Forbidden City, come here.
3. Yandai Xie Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Beijing's oldest commercial street, just a block off pretty lake Houhai, is lined in traditional-style stone buildings that house charming souvenir and handicraft shops.
Reviewed By sgken8 - Singapore, Singapore
Was told by a local that the 2 or 3 streets of acoustic bars, restaurants and cafes has been there since 2000. All Chinese songs though and I think all are local musicians or wannabes but it' all good. You'll get to hear both the evergreens and latest songs. The streets border a huge lake which is said to have been around since time in memorial. What you see in the day will be vastly different to what you will experience at night.
4. Bairong International Flea Market
5. INDIGO
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
An outdoor playground makes this mall popular with families. Shoppers come for the range of stores-everything from MUJI to Gap-and stay for the restaurants, beauty services, and winter garden.
6. Chaoyang Joy City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
In addition to global brands like Sephora, you'll also find stores selling souvenirs like chopsticks and silk pouches. There's a kids' play area, and the mall regularly hosts classes and events.
7. Parkview Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
This mall-meets-museum is dotted with contemporary art-paintings, installations, and sculptures-and has a small gallery. The wide range of shops includes a bookstore, a parfumerie, and a bicycle shop.
Reviewed By hagai123456 - Miami, United States
Sophisticated luxury mall full of artistic statures and other interesting art. Top of line brands, expensive, but interesting to walk around.
8. Red Brick Art Museum
9. Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,135 reviews
This is Beijing's largest and most popular market for pearl jewelry (notably freshwater pearls), clothing and luggage.
Reviewed By Olivialee234 - Waco, United States
Yes, Most if not all of the name brand items are fake. Learn to bargain but don't be rude about it. The people working there are individuals trying to make a living. Keep that in mind. However, do not pay the initial price they throw out. You will get ripped off. Go early in the day, right when the market opens. The people there will be more willing to bargain in attempts to get the first sales of the day which are seen as lucky. I bought a silk scarf for 50元 although the initial price was 650元. Don't be rude but stand your ground they will as for the top price you are willing to go for. Realistically, don't do that or you will get ripped off. Actually, give your lower price and carefully work up but only by very small increments. If they see your flexibility you will get ripped off. Over all have fun and don't be afraid to bargain. Bargaining is expected!
10. Liulichang Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 126 reviews
On this street packed with shops selling antiques and curios you'll find one of China's oldest and largest bookshops, selling vintage reprints of ancient texts as well as calligraphy supplies.
Reviewed By LGfromTroy - Dunstable, United States
Went for a walk in Beijing. Found this street and walked its length. Amazing shops, great prices, friendly proprietors. Art supplies, musical instruments, original art pieces, and jade carvings easily found on this street. Tourist friendly.
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