Existing vendors have already cleared stock to make way, and the official opening of the revamped Xiushui Market is set for this weekend, July 15. 

    Among more than 1,500 stalls, visitors can expect to find 196 silk booths, making this China's largest silk retailing and service market catering to foreigners.

 
    Hot Tips

    1. If possible, visit the market on weekdays and make purchases close to closing time to ensure the best deals.

    2. Don't offer any price until the vendor has already dropped their opening bid several times. Then, inspect the item you are considering purchasing with a studious and skeptical look on your face. 

    3. Offer a price that is less than 40 percent of what you would be willing to pay, and do so while smiling with all of your might. Use as much Chinese as you can as you embark on the scripted dance towards purchase.

    4. Just to be sure they get the hint, explain to the vendor that you're not a tourist, even if you are. Tell them how long you (might) have lived in Beijing (in a previous life) and mention how often you shop here with Chinese friends. 

    5. Go up in increments of 5 or 10 yuan for a while. Then, mention you've seen the same item at other stalls for a price that's about 10 yuan more than you're willing to pay and was hoping to get it for a bit cheaper.

    6. When you're almost to the point of agreement, re-inspect the item for flaws. Point these out to the vendor, who will surely drop the price again. And when the gap closes between the price offered by the merchant and what you're willing to pay, offer to meet them in the middle and seal the deal.