THERE’S not much you can’t get in the crowded, colorful markets of Beijing. From clothes to toys, fresh fruits to bizarre snacks, cameras to computers, the commerce centers of China’s capital have it all. But whatever it is you’re looking for, go in knowing you’re going to work for it.
Anyone who has spent any time in China knows that you rarely pay the sticker price for anything. Rent, vegetables, bikes, musical instruments: everything is negotiable. However, the process can prove daunting for those not accustomed to bargaining for what they buy.
Clothes, shoes, souvenirs and other goods tend to be overpriced in Beijing markets, but with a little bargaining, you can make out well on shopping sprees here.
The thing to remember is that the vendors expect you to haggle. They set exorbitantly high prices for knock-off designer bags and sweatshirts knowing that shoppers will negotiate down to a usually much lower, and more reasonable, amount. It’s also important to keep in mind that tourists often get taken advantage of in the markets, particularly the more popular ones.
While you can’t blame the merchants for trying to make a handsome profit, there’s no reason to be ripped off in the process. Going in with the right mindset often results in a win-win situation, in which they make money and you don’t lose an obscene amount of your own.
Many shop or stall owners speak at least a little English, so you can get by without speaking the native language. Of course learning a few useful Mandarin phrases or having a phrase book on hand can only help.
If you’re willing to fly solo at the markets, you may end up with better prices and a much more pleasant experience than shopping with a friend. This author has tried it both ways, and shopping with a friend has often resulted in belligerence on the vendor’s end.
A friend and I were actually pushed and yelled at when we were persistent with our bargaining at Yashow Market in Sanlitun, and sellers were far more aggressive about drawing us in to their stalls. On my own, however, they were more relaxed and pleasant, and the bargaining process was perfectly amiable, no shouting involved.
Foreigners frequent YaShow Market, which is conveniently located in Sanlitun, a foreign enclave in Beijing.
Where you shop also makes a difference. Many first-time visitors to Beijing flock to the Silk Market, then flee with a bad taste in their mouths for market shopping and the city in general. Because it is a tourist hotspot, sellers tend to be pushier than at other venues, and hassle potential customers until they’re so fed up they make a purchase or leave the market altogether.
For clothing in particular, you’d do better at YaShow, which is conveniently located to next to Sanlitun Village, which is flush with options for post-shopping dining and drinking venues. Or there’s Tianyi Market, where vendors also tend to be more relaxed and much less aggressive about pushing their goods on you.
Beijing is also not a bad place to pick up electronics at decent prices. The Wukesong camera market is a trek from the center of the city, but great bargains are to be had here. Do some research on the types of cameras, lenses or accessories you want to buy before arriving, though. Knowing what they go for on Amazon will help you gauge the fairness of the prices being offered at the market, and will be useful in bargaining down to a fair price.
If you’re really just looking for fun souvenirs, interesting knick-knacks or gifts for friends back home, head to Panjiayuan, a flea market notorious for having plenty of antiques and tschotskes for sale.
Wherever you go, stand your ground but be polite, and try to enjoy the experience. Haggling for deals is all part of Beijing’s charm.
