Beijing's Weekend Market Remains One of China's Most Authentic Shopping Experiences

Beijing's Weekend Market Remains One of China's Most Authentic Shopping Experiences
This historical market is where local collectors and bargain hunters have been finding crafts and collectables for decades, and it's a wonderful addition to any Beijing tour. Vendors from all over China assemble in Beijing on weekends to sell and trade antiques, crafts and wares from their home provinces. While the original market - nicknamed "the dirt market" as wares were formerly displayed on blankets placed on the ground - has modernized in recent years, with organized sections and permanent stalls, it still retains most of its original flavor.

Colorful crafts and unique items from all of China's ethnic people are represented, so this becomes a wonderful place to buy unique mementos of your trip to China. Of course, buyers should always be alert. While this was once a top place to shop for antiques, much of what is sold these days are reproductions. So shop carefully, and unless you are an expert, you should not get lured into paying the high price charged for an "antique".

Bargaining is standard to China, and nowhere more spirited than at Panjiayuan. Don't be shy. Since it's expected. If you are prepared, it can not only be fun, but extremely cost effective. With stern but friendly bargaining, you can often knock fifty percent or more off the price of an item at Panjiayuan.

The China Guide www.TheChinaGuide.com is here to help you. Most travel agencies avoid taking tourists to Panjiayuan, because many agencies make more money taking their guests to shops where they receive commissions. This can push prices 10, even 20 times higher than at non-commission shops and markets. The China Guide is one agency that refuses commission sales. Our commitment is only to you, our valued customer.

When planning your trip with a travel agent from The China Guide, try to be in Beijing over the weekend so you can experience this unique shopping stop.