Hongqiao ( The Pearl Market)

Four floors of shopping madness, Hongqiao is the great democratizer of Chinese shopping, drawing out all types of tourists and all types of locals, and uniting them together under one great consumption umbrella. Animate and inanimate foodstuffs can be found in the basement for local restaurateurs or for those who simply prefer to buy live crabs in bulk. Hongqiao has electronics, appliances (ground floor), fake namebrand purses (second floor), suitcases, shoes, jewellery, cloisonne, porcelain, jade, large and small Buddhas, teapots, and the illustrious and incomparable pearl market (third floor). Incredible deals can be had here, with a pair of real pearl earrings going for as little as 15 yuan (US$?). Both Panjiayuan and Hongqiao have their devotees - people who make a near-religious pilgrimage every week - just to keep abreast of the latest offerings. Once you've been you'll understand why.

Tel: 6711-7429, 6711-7499
Address: 16 Hongqiao Lu (across from the east gate of the Temple of Heaven), Chongwen District.
Hours: 8:30 am-7 pm

Jewellery Street
(Zhubao Yitiaojie)
A dozen or so jewellers are concentrated in the area of Yangrou Hutong in Xisi, Xicheng District. Selling everything from 24 karat gold work to diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, Jewellery Street is aimed more at the wealthy local Chinese person than at the expatriate or tourist, but there are real bargains to be had for the sharp-eyed shopper.

Address: Yangrou Hutong, Xisi, Xicheng District (Just one lane south of Fuchengmen Nei Dajie).