Wangfujing

Wangfujing (王府井) is Beijing's best-known shopping area. The street is always busy, mostly with pedestrians, but that's part of its charm.

Street cafes are bursting with customers and water fountains put on elaborate shows along the wide boulevard. Most places are authentic but pricey, although cheaper goods can be found at the northern end.

The city's biggest bookstore, the Wangfujing Bookstore features many English language publications, particularly travel books, while the Oriental Plazais is Wangfujing's most popular mall.

At the northern end of the street is the Wangfujing Food Market. Opposite the market is a large mobile phone mall. Shops are open daily from 08:00 to 22:00.