 There
is a unique feeling about shopping in Beijing that cannot be found
anywhere else. Despite the rapid modernization drive encroaching
almost everywhere, some of the old, unusual and exciting hutongs
with their mysterious siheyuan(courtyards) remain intact in this
splendid city.
Strolling around the old streets, just let your imagination
run wild with how the scene must have looked like in ancient times,
when camel caravans arrived at the city gates and unloaded exotic
spices and other goods brought from faraway places.
Today, the camels are long gone and almost anything, Chinese
or Western, is available for a price. The joint venture hotels,
shops and boutiques are full of soft cashmere and silk, while
a wide variety of Chinese arts and crafts beckon to be purchased,
At the same time, sidewalk vendors peddle everything from pots
to suits. Although prices for some items may see high, there are
still bargains to be found by the shrewd. |
eas@eastravel.com