5 Fabric Markets to Beat the Winter Blues
Winter chill is fast approaching and it is time to rug up with a new wardrobe. Beijing is not short of international brands and glossy boutiques, but what else beats the winter blues than a real craftsmanship garment that stand out from all the mass-produced brands?
The following are five markets in Beijing that you are mostly like to find your favorite among a galaxy of fabrics (silk, cashmere, lace, cotton, embroidery) as well as fake and real fur, zippers, brass buttons, and even much more (curtains and carpets) to warm up your whole house.
Muxiyuan Fabric Market 木樨园纺织品市场
"Muxiyuan" refers collectively to all the fabric markets in the area south of Muxiyuan Bridge. One of the biggest is Jingdu Qingfangcheng (京都轻纺城).It's easy to get happily lost in the enormous and crowded maze of stalls. Prices can be very low if you bargain, but don’t get excited before you ask the vendors if they sell in small amount. But even if they don’t, nearly every stall has a box of fabric remnants (mostly 1.5-3m) for sale out in front.
Daily 6am-5pm (for most of the markets there). Dahongmen Lu (south of Muxiyuan long-distance bus station), south of MuxiyuanQiao on South Third Ring Road, Fengtai District丰台区南三环木樨园桥往南大红门路木樨园长途汽车站南侧
Daxin Textile 大新纺织
The time-honored brand is small in size and features many loyal local customers that keep this place busy. You can find some of the very old and experienced local tailors here for a chi-pao. Prices are a bit higher but it saves the hassle.
Daily 8.30am-8pm. 265 Changyangmen Neidajie (near Beijing Fuxing Holiday Hotel), Dongcheng District (64032378) 东城区朝阳门内大街265号北京福星假日宾馆旁
Qinghe Fashion Mall 清河毛纺城
Some people call this distant market “wool city” and it indeed has the best reputation among locals for the best selection of wool in the city. Either you want to make a suit or a coat; wool should be a smart choice for winter.
Daily 9.30am-5pm. Anningzhuang Donglu (west of QingheXiaoyingQiao), Haidian District (62930873) 海淀区清河镇安宁庄东路(近清河小营桥)
Silk Market 秀水市场
The six-storymarket is overwhelmed with oversea tourists and can be overpriced. The fabric has its own section and it does make decent suits although they also try to price gouge on the fabric. Be prepared for loud and pushy sellers who are accustomed to dealing with foreigners.
Daily 9am-9pm. 8 Xiushui Dongjie, Jianguomen Waidajie, Chaoyang District (5169 8800) 朝阳区建国门外大街秀水东街8号
Yashow Market 雅秀市场
Similar to Silk Market in targeting expats and oversea tourists, Yashow stands at a more convenient location at Sanlitun right next to the popular bar street. It is an unavoidable destination if you are new to town. Many serious shoppers also visit the place regularly for the knockoff underwear, jeans, jackets, shoes, sports equipment and bags. The third floor is filled with tailors, where you can find shirts or suits tailored. Just don’t lose your patience in bargaining.
Daily 9.30am-9pm. 58 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6415 1726) 朝阳区工体北路58号
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This post originally appeared on beijing-kids.com.
Photo by nozomiiqel (Flickr)
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