Hongqiao Market

Hongqiao market is located in the south central area of Beijing, east of the Temple of Heaven. As you’d expect, the Hongqiao market is famous for pearls, but the market has a lot more to offer than three floors of pearls and jewellery. It is an indoor mall with a seafood market in the basement and 5 other floors. The massive seafood market in the basement has played an important role since its opening of the market. There are many varieties of seafood on sale , ranging from common fish, shrimp and crabs and most of which are sold on to hotels and restaurants in Beijing. On the ground floor are MP3 players, digital cameras, DVD players and other electrical items. There is also a large selection of watches, silks and underwear. On the second floor, there are branded clothing, silks, shoes, suitcases and handbags . You'll notice here that a lot of shops sell the same items, so make sure you haggle over the price to get yourself a bargain. The third floor divides into two halves. The first selling Chinese arts and crafts while the second is where the famous pearl market begins, but doesn't end. Pearls cover the fourth and fifth floors as well. The higher you go, the more exclusive the pearls and other jewellery. Shopping here is as you would expect at any Chinese market. It's crazy, loud, aggressive and a lot of fun. Prices start high here, and the vendors know it, so bargaining over price is essential and expected from you. If your battering skills aren't good, explain that you can't afford it and walk away; the vendors will come running after you and offer a better price. Quick Facts on Hongqiao Market Location : No.9 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing Opening Hours : 10:00-19:30 Ticket Price : Free How to Get : Take Bus 6, 17, 36, 39, 41, 43, 60, 72, 84, 116, 128, or 599 . Get off at Fahua Temple Station. Or take Beijing Subway Line 5 and get off at Tiantan East Station, and then exit from Exit A2. The Seafood Market The seafood market here is more popular with restaurants and hotels than shopping local shoppers. It is an interesting place to browse and get a feel for what a traditional wet market is like. Head for the fish stalls, which are stacked with teams of fresh varieties: crabs piled high, rows of neatly arranged fish and loads of baby sharks piled on top of each other. The fish is so fresh that you will probably see some o