Beijing has about 15 million residents and as the seat of the Chinese
government, it has a strong political charge as well as cultural charge.
Beijing does not offer the same type of concentrated shopping as Shanghai--the
city does not have a downtown shopping area per se, but rather many different
shopping areas. In The China World Shopping Mall, there
is every western designer know to mankind. If you cannot find something
from one of the top designers of the world here, you will not find it
anywhere!
I spent a lot of my shopping time in Beijing in the pearl market; many
Chinese friends have told me that Beijing has the best quality pearls.
If you invest the time and put your marketing skills into high gear you
will leave Beijing with beautiful pearls for a fraction of what you would
pay anywhere else in the world! My personal favorite pearl dealers were, Funghua and Sharon’s
Pearls. Funghua has over 2000 designs of freshwater
and seawater pearls. I made friends with Jane, and purchased a pair of
black Tahitian pearls. At Sharon’s Pearls I liked
the selection of freshwater pearls in an array of colors in 10 to 15
millimeter size and a good selection of diamond clasps.
For clothing there is a shop in The China World Hotel,
where the prices are higher than any other shop I visited, but the quality
and the designs are beautiful. All clothes are made to order and delivered
to your room the same day.
Beijing is where you will spend your time understanding the history
and the culture of China. A visit to Beijing means focusing on the culture.
I had the experience of dinner at The Great Wall, dinner
at the Forbidden City, dinner at the Great Hall
of the People.
A visit to the Hutong, the old neighborhoods around
the Forbidden City is full of fascinating views of Chinese society.
There are many restaurants, my personal favorite is The China
Club, which was once a private home and looks like a miniature
Forbidden City, the food is Chinese and delicious!
The contemporary art scene in Beijing is abundant with new artist and
some not so new artist; the prices are matching the demand.
Beijing is transforming everyday, and so like Shanghai requires many
visits to take in all there is to do and see!
China World Hotel
at China World Trade Center
No. 1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing
Tel: 6505 2266
Sharon's Store
No. 4201 4305 4th floor HongQiao Market Chongwen Beijing
Tel: (86-10) 6717 1888
Fanghua Pearls
No. 4318, 4th floor
Hongqiao Market, Chongwen District
Tel: 86-10-67187888
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