Beijing Day 2: Shopping

I am really not a fan of SHOPPING.  Usually, shopping does not exist in my itinerary.  I would rather use my time exploring the place where I am in.  However, shopping was inevitable in this trip as we have two girls in the group.  Our second day in Beijing was divided into two parts: Great Wall during the day and shopping at night.

After our Great Wall trip, Larry, our tour guide, brought us to a Dr. Tea outlet.  We were brought to one of the shop's VIP room for a tea-tasting session.  We got to taste four kinds of tea: Pu'er Tea, Jasmine Tea, Oolong Tea, and Fruit Tea.  After tasting the tea, we were offered to buy their products.  Since the lady who did the sales talk looked like a Chinese doll and had a sweet voice, I bought a box of Oolong Tea for CNY 150 (Php 900).  After we left, I realized that what I bought was very expensive.  I likewise remembered that the only tea I drink was iced tea.  Lesson learned: if your really want to buy tea, go somewhere else, there are definitely more cheaper tea shops in Beijing.

Facade of Dr. Tea

Welcome to Dr. Teaxpensive

Explaining the ins and outs of tea-drinking

The different kinds of tea...

Thereafter, we went to the Beijing Wu Silk Museum.  The staff provided us with a detailed tour of how silk was processed: from the birth of silkworms to the complicated machines that weave silk.  Then we proceeded to their showroom where they sell different products made of silk such as pillows and blankets.  A pillow costs around CNY 500 (Php 3,000.00).  Seeing that the pillow was too expensive, I did not bother looking at the price tag of the other products.

Fresh from the silkworm

Machine that processes silk

She is showing us a sample of silk strand

Blanket made of silk (expensive)

Tracing the Silk Road route...

Seeing that it was already late, we decided to eat dinner.  We went to Quanjude Restaurant in Wangfujing.  Quangjude Restaurant was established in 1864.  It was once awarded as best restaurant in China. by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.  The restaurant looked like a typical Chinese fine dining restaurant.  The prices on the menu are expensive.  A roasted Peking duck costs CNY 220. 

Facade of Quanjude Restaurant

Photo-op

Ready to eat...

The infamous roast duck

I am not a fan of ducks...

 We walked along Wangfujing shopping district after dinner.  Wangfujing is one of the main shopping areas in Beijing.  Along the main street, you will find outlets of famous international brands.  However, it is not advisable to buy since there is little difference between the prices in Beijing and in Manila.

Malls in Wangfujing

Wangfujing street

 As you further explore Wangfujing, you will pass by its night market that sells souvenirs and exotic street food.  We were lucky to find Lin.  She brought us to her stall and offered us with huge discounts.  I was able to buy magnets at CNY 3 (Php 18.00) a piece and replicas of Terracotta warriors at CNY 80 (Php 480.00).  Since we bought lots of stuff from her, she gave us free pens and chopsticks.

Wangfujing night market...

Lin's stall at the night market

Leah and Weng: busy shopping

Photo-op with Lin...

Because of the language barrier, you need lots of patience while shopping in Beijing.  Do not forget to haggle too.  If you are good enough to haggle, you may get the item you want at 90% discount.