Everyone loves a market. Whether it’s the chase, playing the game or having your best shot at bargaining. Markets throughout China offer an experience for all levels of shoppers. Our fabulous teams in each city have compiled a list of markets which you and your guests shouldn’t miss.
BEIJING- PANJIAYUAN “DIRT MARKET”
This market is the most traditional market in the whole of Beijing and is said to have the best wares in the northern part of the country. It showcases traditional Chinese trinkets, antiques, semi-precious stones, Mao-era wares, jewelry and unique items from China’s ethnic minorities.
Opening Hours: 06:00 -15:00.
Opening Days: T F S SBest visited on Saturday and Sunday.
Beijing’s other markets: Silk Market, Hong Qiao Pearl Market, and Liu li chang.
SHANGHAI- HONGQIAO INTERNATIONAL PEARL MARKET
The Hong Qiao international Pearl Market notably houses an array of reasonably priced jewelry stores. The main attraction though are it’s abundance of fresh and sea water pearls. The pearl vendors can make your ideal jewelry piece on the spot.
Located on the way to Hongqiao airport it’s two expansive floors also offer clothing, leather goods and electronics.
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 21:00
Seven days a week S M T W T F SBest visited early in the week for the best prices.
Shanghai’s Other markets: Yuyuan Old Town Markets, Tai Kang Lu, Fabric Market, Nanjing Lu and the Science and Technology Museum market.
HONG KONG- TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET
As the sun sets on Hong Kong the vendors of Temple Street Night Market set up for an evening of hustle, bustle and bargaining in Jordan. With opera singers, fortune tellers plying their trade as well as trinkets, toys electronics, watches, clothes, tea, jade and jewelry at a multitude of stalls. The Temple street night market is a splash of colour by night. Sample seafood, noodles and other treats or even enjoy a foot massage as you immerse yourself in Asia’s world city.
Opening Hours: 18:00 – Midnight
Seven days a week S M T W T F SBest time to visit is from 21:00 onwards.
Hong Kong’s other markets: Ladies Street Market, Stanley Market, Cat Street Market and the PMQ Night Market.
XI’AN- MUSLIM STREET MARKETS
Immerse yourself in the pulse of Xi’an and feel the eclectic energy of the Muslim Street Markets. As Xian was for centuries a crossroads between East and West, these markets carry items from the length and breadth of China. Around the market street food stalls serving up tasty treats from all across the Western regions of China.
Food Stalls open from 05:00am and go till late in the evening.
The markets from 10:00 – 18:00Seven days a week S M T W T F S
Bargaining 101 in China: Our top 10 bargaining tips
1. Learn your opening lines in Mandarin "ni hao" (hello), "duo shao qian" (how much is this)
2. You must learn "tai gui le" (too expensive)
3. Carry small notes and keep them loose in your pockets. Never bring a wad of money out
4. Show only "VAGUE" interest
5. Offer about 20% of the first quoted price
6. Don't pay more than you think its worth or 50% of the original price, whichever is the lesser amount
7. Count out your small notes, but never enough for the price they want, and apologize that you can't afford it
8. Walk away if the price isn't right
9. Don't go back (they know they have you), send someone else
10. Most important of all Have FUN!