It seems almost everything these days has the words ‘Made in China’ branded on it. Much to the surprise of many fresh expats in Beijing, even though many electrical goods are manufactured here, they are still retailed at a high price and some items are can... Read More>>

For several years I lived down the street from a weekly farmers’ market in Brooklyn, New York, surrounded by a multitude of organic and natural food stores, yet I never gave much thought to buying organic groceries. My main reason for this was the price. ... Read More>>

If you’re looking to start a rock band or simply looking to test your musical talent, Beijing has what you need, if you know where to look. Specialized items can be difficult to find when you move to a foreign country but Beijing has ever so cleverly ... Read More>>

Photo: hongkongnese.com Once you find the right combination, having clothes tailor-made in Beijing can be a wonderful experience. Not all fashion is created equal so why settle for a finished product that is lacking your style or needs to be altered to fit ... Read More>>

Vintage clothing has been making a huge comeback in fashion forward cities around the world, especial at major fashion centers like New York and London. Polka dot frocks from the 50’s, eccentric outfits from the 1960’s, elegant dresses and brogue shoes ... Read More>>

Don’t be fooled into thinking that only Beijing’s big department stores and tourist markets stock the hottest goods. Beijing is dotted with plenty of clothes markets that have two very special traits: fashionable and cheap! This article introduces you to ... Read More>>

Beijing’s biggest second-hand goods market is about to open at the end of the month. Xinqicai Commercial Centre (新七彩商业中心) opened for business on December 31st in Yaojiayuan (姚家园), Chaoyang District. The market’s location is behind Beijing’s ... Read More>>

With so many malls already to choose from in downtown Beijing, there’s still one big reason to make the trek out to the Scitech Premium Outlet Mall near the Beijing airport: big savings. With a tagline of “Big Brands, Small Prices”, the Scitech Premium ... Read More>>

Where do you go Beijing to find nice pipe tobacco or a good cigar to enjoy while out at night or relaxing after a hard day? We've got you covered with four great spots in Beijing to meet your needs. Read More>>

The broad concept of ‘hipster’ is that whatever is being described as such should be unique or special in some way. In Beijing, there is no shortage of bars, eateries, galleries and other hangouts that attract the hipster crowd. Read More>>

Are you a do it yourself kind of guy or gal? For those of you who enjoy creating your own projects but don’t know where to start in this massive city, we’ve created a “Do it yourself” (DIY) list of shops in Beijing to assist you in your favourite DIY ... Read More>>

Wudaokou’s Chengfu Lu is one of Beijing’s commercial and recreational areas most overlooked by the non-student/university crowd. However, in recent years, the area has come on in leaps and bounds receiving attention from residents of other districts. With ... Read More>>

Shopping in Beijing can be a nightmare, especially if bargaining isn’t your thing or if you’re simply not willing to pay an extortionate price for something that should be cheap. Well dream no further! Here’s an introduction to Beijing’s best bargain ... Read More>>

Market shopping is a favorite pastime for many locals and visitors in Beijing and one incredible market in the city is Panjiayuan. Each of Beijing’s markets has unique characteristics and this one is no exception with its many appealing factors, starting ... Read More>>

“We used to build civilizations, now we build shopping malls,” best selling American author, Billy Bryson, once wrote. Beijing’s Xidan is more than just a mall; it’s an entire area full of malls, dedicated to shoppers’ ... Read More>>

Having fresh organic produce delivered to your door may seem like a luxury, but when you live in Beijing, where food scandals and general unhealthiness are facts of life, you may find yourself reconsidering, especially when there are plenty of affordable ... Read More>>

Aside from eating, drinking and cavorting, shopping has to be one of the Beijing expat’s most favoured pursuits. There are miles of shiny marble-floored malls filled with couture boutiques with stylishly near empty shelves in Beijing, as well as tourist ... Read More>>

Ever look through magazines and wish you could either afford an interior designer or be one of those really creative people who just know how to decorate like the TLC stars? There is no magic to it, you don’t have to be a professional, you just need to ... Read More>>

Venturing through a Chinese Hutong is an incredible experience, not only because it is completely different from western civilisation but because it is a piece of ancient history that is soon to be non-existent. There are very few traditional housing ... Read More>>

Congratulations on your new place in Beijing! As you look around your apartment though, you might feel a bit overwhelmed, especially when it comes to the kitchen. You may have noticed that your Chinese kitchen has one or two burners, a small refrigerator ... Read More>>

Beijing is famous for its wonderful ancient alleys (hutongs) and streets, many dating back to the Ming Dynasty and retaining their traditional architecture. However, over the years a number of historically rich hutongs have succumbed to the bulldozer – a ... Read More>>

Having trouble finding your distilled spirit of choice in Beijing? Then look no further because this guide to Beijing liquor and wine shops will put your search to an end. Take a walk down your average street in Beijing and you will be hard pressed to find ... Read More>>

With their minimalist, elegant frames and endless customizability, the popularity of fixed gear bikes (often known as fixie bikes) has grown exponentially in recent years, especially in urban areas. True to their name, fixed gear bikes have no freewheel, ... Read More>>

Shopping for shoes should be fun! But when you have trouble finding what you are looking for, it can be a bit frustrating and overwhelming. In Beijing those seeking big-sized shoes can have a hard time finding shops that provide what they need . But it’s ... Read More>>