2012 Jan 28 Going Underground: Wangfujing, Line 1
“Going Underground” is a regular magazine column in which we explore the neighborhoods surrounding subway stations.
SELLING POINT
Realtors agree: The hottest retail spot in town is indisputably Wangfujing. The area lost some of its luster in the last decade as luxury brands flocked to Financial Street, Sanlitun and the CBD, but Beijing’s historic market street has come roaring back.
SHOP
Wangfujing Bookstore may surprise you with their number of general English-language titles, but Foreign Languages Bookstore’s selection of young-adult paranormal romances is second to none. For sheer fun, you can’t beat a laozihao milliner with plentiful inventory and lots of mirrors. Try on the swellegant hats at Shengxifu (just south of KFC) and plot the resurgence of headwear.
EAT
Yes, you can do the centipede-kebab thing when the Donghuamen carts come out at dusk. Or just say that you did after you’ve sneaked off to sample the marvelous dumplings at Shun Yi Fu in Beijing APM mall. If you must be snooty, then go all the way: Plan your day around the award-winning afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel.
GAWK
The skateboarders at Wangfujing Cathedral are always fun to watch. As are the throngs of domestic tourists agog at jade trinkets being hawked for RMB 20 by the guy with a bullhorn (“Everything must go! I’m selling them at a loss!”). Don’t you fall for his spiel.
Photo: flickriver.com
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