Lifestyle and Shopping in Beijing


By claire - Posted on 24 December 2009

Beijing is a friendly and historical city brimming with wonderful attractions and activities for people of all persuasions to enjoy. The pollution may get to many expats, but relocating to one of the largest cities in the world comes with its downsides. Beijing features great shopping opportunities, a vibrant nightlife and a wide variety of restaurants but it also features good entertainment venues, annual events, world-class sports facilities and spas.

Beijing may not be known for its fabulous shopping and designer stores but a trip to the Xiu Shui Jie Shopping Mall or the Xiu Shui Market will reward even the most seasoned shopper, but be prepared to haggle for everything from fake designer labels to clothing and bags. Head to the area around Wangfujing Dajie for department stores or the Xidan area is the place to buy all your electronics, while the Hong Qiao Market is a good place to bargain for cheap no-name or fake brand electronics, sunglasses, batteries, watches and jewellery.

Beijing’s nightlife is surprisingly vibrant with a wide range of nightclubs, karaoke bars and chic and trendy cocktail lounges. The Hou Hai Bar Area is where all Beijing’s expats hang out and plenty of fun can be had along this lakeside nightlife hub or for an interesting and humorous night out, gather some friends and partake in some good old Chinese karaoke.

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