Silk Market does not sell any cashmeres. Their sweaters look soft like cashmere sweaters, but in fact those aren't cashmeres. That's why it's so cheap to buy them. Anywhere you go in Beijing, places such as Silk Market, Yaxiu etc, their pashminas and cashmeres are usually synthetic yarns.
There are some local cashmere stores like snow lotus etc in BJ. Their sweaters seem more cashmere than the ones from Silk Market, and are relatively cheap. I think the reason that they are cheap is because again it's not hundred percent cashmere and the designs are rather 'chinese'. I saw another cashmere store in Oriental Plaza.

There are some yarn stores where they can custom-make cashmere sweaters for you. A cardigan is around 600 RMB I believe. It's not 100% cashmere although they say it is. I think if you want a good quality cashmere sweater, you should just buy it oversea. If you want to buy cashmere blend sweaters, then I think the best bet is to print out a picture and take it to one of those yarn stores.

This pretty much sums it up. There is a common misconception that China is a good place to shop for clothing (people get excited by low prices), when it probably among the worst due to high amounts of synthetics, poor quality and regulation, and a poor selection of styles. It is worth having things custom made, but it very hard to find good quality. I have had sweaters made with mixed results, but it can be a good way to go. In fact, if you want something solid-colored and fitted, it is the only way to go. The comment above is right on target, though, because you cannot be sure about domestic fabrics.

I've bargained those "cashmere"/"Pashima" scarves at Silk Street down to 10 yuan. Fortunately, the ppl I give them to don't seem to know the difference -or at least don't acknowledge my cheapskatedness.

Same for the Rolexes. They won't bargain under 60 inside the market, but wandering vendors outside will submit to 8 yuan!

Are you sure we're talking about the same cashmere store? There are hundreds of stores at Silk Market which sell scarves which say "100% cashmere" on them for cheap...like under RMB50. But then there is one where I got mine where the wool feels different and they won't drop below RMB200. Is the cashmere from there fake too? Oh, am I a mug?

Sure, I need to resupply there anyway.

I noticed though that's it's getting harder and harder to bargain down to awesome prices. I think the vendors are getting enough suckers to pay through the nose, that they've started collaborating on raising their bottom prices.

My bargaining method is pretty simple, actually. Lowball them, dispassionately ignore everything they say, offer the same lowball price again, and walk away.

@sciency
I don't buy anything from Yaxiu or Silk Market anymore, but I'll try to think of something to buy since you can bargain it down to 10.

@ Stylist
I've never been able to open your website. I can see the heading of the site, but never any pictures

@ Brainfox
Sorry to tell you , but I guess you got ripped off

I'm going start a real website when I get the chance that should be easier to open.

You can try opening it through anonymouse.org

You should try to get on it. Perhaps you would be able to contribute content?

If you want real Pashmina and real cashmere go to India. I bought beautiful pashmina shawls there and paid next to nothing for them. Also they have the gall to charge 800 yuan in a department store for a cheap looking "cashmere" sweater. I can buy bettter quality in India at fraction of the cost.

I saw a place called Huan Huan at Silk Street, they appear to have legit cashmere sweaters - they feel like cashmere and when I tried one on, it hung like real cashmere. It's in the back of the second floor in a real shop (not a stall) and all they sell is cashmere sweaters and scarves. I think the price is between 200-300 for a sweater (after some serious haggling obviously). I can't guarantee that they are real, but they definitely seem much better than the garbage they sell at the other shops in the markets.