China is not only renowned for its ancient history and rich cultural heritage but also its extraordinary capacity for manufacturing. Most of the world’s electrical and clothing items are produced in China. Travel to Beijing and there are endless places where you can indulge yourself into buying what ever takes your fancy.
The Silk Market attracts approximately 50,000 visitors daily and 60,000 on weekends as of 2006. This 35,000-square-meter complex houses 1,700 retail vendor and over 3,000 salespeople spread over seven floors with three levels of basements. Many of the stalls have, over the years, gained local and international reputation for selling counterfeit luxury designer brands at relatively low prices. Some have carried on this trademark despite growing pressures from the management, the Chinese government and famous brand-name companies.
Opened on March 19th 2005, and replacing the old alley-based Xiushui Market, the current Silk Street establishment has diversified their business scope. In addition to selling fashion apparels and accessories such as hats, handbags, shoes, belts, sportswear and silk fabrics like their predecessor, the new Silk Street has introduced traditional Chinese handicrafts, antiques, calligraphy, carpets, table cloths, bed coverings, paintings, hand-knit dresses, toys, electronic gadgets, trinkets, and fine jewelry. Reputable establishments such as the Tongrentang Pharmacy, Quanjude Peking Roast Duck restaurant, and multi-national coffee and restaurant chains such as Lavazza, SPR Coffee, Caffe L’affare, Subway and TCBY have also joined Silk Street’s bid to become the “ultimate one-stop tourist destination” in Beijing. Invested and constructed by Beijing Xinyashenhong Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and managed by Beijing Silk Street Garment Market Co., Ltd., Silk Street is built along Line 1, Beijing Subway next to Guomao (China World Trade Centre) with a direct basement link to Yonganli subway station (Exit A). This makes it easy to access for any tourists wishing to get their hands on some bargains.
This famous market attracts many people. This provides the salespeople in the silk market to set their own prices and ask for as much as they think they could extract out of one particular individual. However, do no be fooled as this price is normally 4 or 5 fold the amount that you should actually pay. Haggling is a sport when you enter this building. You should always remember that it is a marathon and not a sprint. Have your maximum price (as low as possible) for the item and be stern. If they do not accept, simply walk away. More often then not they will accept the price when you walk away making you the winner of the haggling war.
So Book your Beijing Tours and Beijing Hotels now and practise your haggling skills at the highest stage.
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