If you're looking for clothes and watches, you're looking at places like Silk Street. Lots of vendors, and there's also jewelry. Not really the place for food stuff though.

The problem with Silk Street is that the vendors always look for people who are not Asian. A little discrimination going on! I am Asian, and so the vendors aren't that big with us. However, when someone else (someone not Asian) walks around, the vendors start yelling for you, tugging for you, et cetera. It's a big show. And so be careful of that if you apply.

Thanks very much BSA126.....your info will be very useful. Do you know what hours the Silk market operates into the evening hours?

Silk Street is popular because of its knock-offs. It opens daily from 9am to 9pm.

Most Chinese don't buy knock-offs, but the only reason foreigners go there is to buy fashion knock-offs. So vendors there only look for white people. They usually don't speak Cantonese/Japanese/Korean or other Asian languages, so Asians are all ignored just as locals.

Local Chinese people go to Wang Fu Jing(near Tiananmen Square) or Xi Dang for fashion shopping. Well, you can buy almost anything at those two places.

Thanks very much JOURNEYCA...very helpful info...looking for 'knockoff' watches for the Grandsons...now comes the fun of trying to get them through our Customs.LOL:)

Silk Street was made for tourists! We were asking the Beijing taxi drivers for market suggestions and they said, "They are all the same- and they were all made for tourists!?

The knock offs are pretty much okay, although definitely some are better quality. Remember, haggle at 1/4 of the value, and they might just give you a great deal! Don't stop after you think the value is right- things in China are supposed to be cheaper!

Wang Fu Jing is very nice to visit too. Lots of things to see, and it's all made for the locals, as well as tourists. You'll see more locals in Wang Fu Jing though. And lots of the special Beijing food you can find here too. Even some weird things too.

Lots of stores and malls located along Wang Fu Jing, so there will be much to see!

When you say "Silk Street", you're talking about the Silk Market, right?? If so, it's an indoor, multi-level, swap meet-typs place. And yes, it's a great place to shop, especially for souvenirs and knock-offs. The knock off DVD's are great there!! Another great place that has a similar set-up is the Hong Qiao Market.

The Ya Xiu Market is another good one!

Silk Street has been moved indoors and now also called Silk Market, or Silk Street Market.

The name is Silk Street still...but there are variations on the name.

Here's a tip in which is very important. You have to bring your own bag, unless you want to pay for one. The vendors now do not give out bags so that they can be more environmentally friendly. So at your hotel get a bag ready, or bring a backpack along.