The former Silver Street was the gathering place of various specialty shops; at present, there are more and more small shops including some world-famous ones. Many artists come here to buy costumes when they are in Beijing. The small shops have distinctive characteristics. Some of them are 100-percent cool, some are warm and lovely, some are exquisite and luxurious, and some are natural and unsophisticated. The clothes here have a variety of styles, which usually give you a sense of surprise.

Although now the prosperous scene is gone forever, people who feel sad about the “decline” of Silver Street can never ignore from the vitality and unique styles of the small shops on both sides of Silver Street. The original decorations and all kinds of goods in the shops make city dwellers pursuing fashion and seeking individuality forever wander on this street at the forefront of Beijing fashion like pilgrims.

Chaowai Street

It is one of the commercial centers which have received more and more attention in recent years. Some large malls such as Full Link Plaza, Huapu Commercial Building, Blue Island Mansion, Blue Island West Shopping Center, and the newly built Yabao Market are located there. Sometimes you can find some high-quality and inexpensive commodities. In the Wangshi Baili Supermarket, you can purchase all the articles needed furnish your home here and take your time choosing from goods on the open shelves without having to bargain and argue. Even if you just take a walk and do not buy anything, you can find many novelties for home decoration.

Xiushui Market

Xiushui Street is close to the Friendship Shop and the embassy area. It is a place frequented by foreign visitors. Wandering about leisurely in the narrow lanes, the beautiful clothing products will excite your shopping enthusiasm quickly. In the lane about 300 meters in length, there are rows of small private shops in selling clothes, ornaments and silks. Bargaining is an “obligatory course” for people looking for treasures there. You can also see a lot of peddlers from Russia and East Europe bargaining with the stall owners in not very fluent English.

Panjiayuan Antiques Market

Situated west of Panjiayuan Bridge and south of the East Third Ring Road, the Panjiayuan Antiques Market is easily accessible. The market deals mainly in antiques and arts and crafts. It also has the reputation of being the most inexpensive antiques market in Beijing, attracting foreign and domestic tourists.

Panjiayuan Market covers an area of 4.85 hectares of land and accommodates over 3,000 stalls. It is the largest antiques market of its kind both in China and Asia.