Visiting Beijing for the first time? While you’re soaking in the city’s rich history and stunning landscapes, don’t miss the chance to explore its bustling shopping districts. From luxury malls to hidden gems, Beijing’s shopping areas offer something for every taste and budget. This guide highlights the top shopping districts that are perfect for tourists looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of retail therapy. Whether you’re hunting for high-end brands or seeking out local deals, these districts are must-visits on your Beijing itinerary.
SKP-Guomao Shopping District
- This district is home to three major complexes: China World Mall, SKP, and SKP-S.
- The renowned SKP is located here, offering a vast array of high-end brands—it’s the go-to destination for luxury shopping. However, if you’re looking for more affordable options, this may not be the place for you. Across from SKP, SKP-S has a more artsy vibe but still focuses on luxury and trendy brands.
- China World Mall, not far from SKP, offers a more comprehensive range of products, making it an excellent one-stop shopping destination. However, it can be overwhelming due to its size and somewhat confusing layout.
- Located on East Chang’an Avenue, this district is also home to iconic landmarks like the CCTV Headquarters and Beijing’s tallest building (Beijing CBD). It’s easily accessible by both subway and car, and Tiananmen Square is just a short trip away!
Wangfujing Shopping District
- While there are many complexes here, three are particularly recommended: APM, WF Central, and Wangfujing Department Store.
- APM primarily offers affordable and mid-range luxury brands, and even features an Apple Store! The top two floors have several excellent dining options, making it a great place to grab a bite while shopping in Wangfujing.
- WF Central is a hidden gem, focusing on luxury and mid-range brands with a beautiful interior design. Notably, it may have the best public restrooms in Beijing—perfect if you’re in the area and need a break!
- Wangfujing Department Store is an older, more traditional department store that offers great deals. I found the cheapest Longines watch in Beijing here.
- This area is ideal for shopping after a visit to the Forbidden City, as it’s very close by. The three malls mentioned above cover a full range of products from low to high-end. However, driving here is not recommended—take the subway, specifically Line 8 to Jinyu Hutong!
Sanlitun Shopping District
- Sunlitun is defined by Taikoo Li, while the nearby Soho can be skipped.
- Taikoo Li is divided into three sections: West, South, and North. The West is the newest and smallest, featuring a massive three-story Uniqlo. The North focuses on luxury brands and has seen the addition of several flagship stores following upgrades in 2023. The South is the most popular, often bustling with fashion photographers capturing street style. The stores here mainly offer trendy brands, attracting Beijing’s most stylish young shoppers.
- Whether you’re shopping or not, Taikoo Li is worth a visit as it has become one of Beijing’s landmarks.
- There’s no direct subway access, and the area can be congested, so it’s best to take a taxi to the North section.
Xidan Shopping District
- This district features several key complexes: the affordable Hanguang, the chic Gengxin Chang, the fading La Fayette, and the comprehensive Joy City.
- For pure shopping, Xidan is worth it (excluding luxury brands), as it offers multiple complexes where you can easily spend an entire day.
- Dining options are limited here, so keep that in mind!
- Conveniently located near Tiananmen Square, Xidan is great for those seeking value – if you’re more about the experience, head to Wangfujing; for cost-effectiveness, come here!