The following article is excerpted from beijingkids Home and Relocation Guide 2011. Download a PDF copy here or visit this page to order a free print copy for home delivery.
Nesting helps make a house a home. Here’s a handy selection of stores and markets for when you want to purchase long-term items, such as furniture and bicycles, as well as everyday items, like food and pet supplies, and other essentials to make your place in Beijing your home away from home.
furniture
Whether it be temporary Ikea furniture you’ll leave behind or contemporary pieces and Chinese-style furniture you want to bring back to your home country, Beijing has a wide selection. The Chinese antiques may not be originals, but high-quality reproductions can be found.
Lily’s Antiques 华伦古典家具
Established in 1999, Lily’s Antiques has become one of the largest furniture dealers in Beijing. Offering high-class Chinese antiques, the company has expanded into a one-stop furniture and deco store.
Daily 8.30am-6pm. Gaobeidian Showroom, 69 Gaobeidian Furniture Street, Chaoyang District (8579 2458, 6572 9746) www.lilysantiques.com 朝阳区高碑店家俱一条街69号
Gaobeidian Furniture Street 高碑店古典家具街
A long stretch of stores offering reproductions of Ming and Qing dynasty furniture. Shops here are also willing to create custom-made pieces.
Outside Dongsihuan (take the Gaobeidian exit of the Jingtong expressway, turn right, then drive south) Chaoyang District 朝阳区东四环(京通高速高碑店出口右转向南走）
Ikea 宜家家具
This international chain offers a huge selection of affordable Western-style furniture.
Daily 10am-10pm. 1 Taiyanggong Lu, Dongbahe (northwest corner of Siyuan Qiao), Chaoyang District (400 800 2345) 朝阳区东坝河太阳宫路1号
QM Furniture 曲美家具城
Western design at affordable prices. The furniture is sleek, modern and custom-made. Choose the style and fabric and they’ll deliver it to your home in a few weeks.
Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8.30pm. 29 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District (6464 6301) 朝阳区霄云路29号
air purifiers
Beijing has an average annual Air Quality Index (AQI) three times higher than Los Angeles. But living in one of the most polluted cities in the world doesn’t mean you and your lungs should suffer. Masks by 3M, such as the N95, are an inexpensive option and can be found at April Gourmet or Jenny Lou’s (see Directory for listings). When you’re outside, consider wearing a face mask if the index is high. Visit the website iphone.bjair.info to check the day’s index. Totobobo also sells masks that can be cut down to suit small faces; buy them at Torana Clean Air Center or online at Totobobo.com. Indoors, consider using a high-quality air purifier.
IQAir 艾可爱尔
Swiss-made air purifier that has been providing quality performance air-cleaning solutions since 1963.
Daily 10am-7pm. 4/F, Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District (6457 1922, info@iqairchina.com) www.iqair-china.com 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场四层 See Directory for more listings.
Torana Clean Air Center
Sells the full range of Swedish Blueair air purifiers and imported replacement filters.
Daily 10am-8.30pm. L110, Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District (8459 0785)顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场 L110. See Directory for more listings.
humidifiers
One thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Beijing is the aridity of the air, which can be rough on the skin. Lotions, such as Cetaphil can help soothe away the itchiness. However, it is highly recommended that you purchase one or more humidifiers for your home.
Wal-Mart 沃尔玛
It might look slightly different from the Wal-Mart in the US or in other parts of the world, but you can still find almost anything from food to electronics with competitive prices.
Daily 7.30am-10.30pm. B1/F, Block B, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District (5960 3566) 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场B座 B1层 See Directory for more listings.
Suning 苏宁电器
If you have been scouring stores searching for that one appliance, this may be your best bet. Suning is known for being one of the biggest chain retailers of home appliances in China.
Daily 9am-9pm. 5 Balizhuang Dongli, Chaoyang District (6557 9996) 朝阳区八里庄东里5号 See Directory for more listings.
bikes
Whether you live in the city or Shunyi, a bike is perfect for a quick trip to the store or a family biking excursions around Beijing’s hutongs. When purchasing a bike, you’ll find a range of quality and prices. Used bikes can be found in various shops along Beixinqiao. New bikes can be found at Giant and Decathlon.
Giant Bicycles 捷安特自行车专卖店
Here you will find a wide selection of good quality bikes and accessories at reasonable prices.
Daily 9am-7.30pm. Shunyuan Jie, 12 Sanyuanli Nanxiaojie (just west of East Third Ring Road, on the north side of the road), Chaoyang District (8448 9271) 朝阳区顺源街三元里南小街12号,与东三环北路路口西北侧 See Directory for more listings.
Decathlon 迪卡侬运动超市
A sporting goods chain with bargain prices.
Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm. 195 Dongsihuan Zhonglu, Dajiaoting, Chaoyang District. (8777 8788) 朝阳区东四环中路195号(靠近大郊亭）
food
After moving into your new home, you’ll want to stock your refrigerator and cupboards. There is no shortage of grocery stores and food markets in Beijing, but for an international selection, head to Jenny Lou’s, April Gourmet or BHG Market Place (See Directory for listings). And if you’re looking to invest in an outdoor grill, check out Villa Lifestyles.
Sanyuanli Market
This strip of food stalls north of Sanlitun has a plentiful variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, cuts of meat, seafood, fresh cheeses and breads – all at reasonable prices.
Daily 5am-7pm. Shunyuan Jie (opposite Jingkelong Supermarket, west of Sanyuan Dongqiao), Chaoyang District. 朝阳区顺源街（三元东桥往西京客隆超市对面）
Villa Lifestyles
Stocks outdoor grills, barbeque gear, trampolines, IQAir air purifiers and more.
F/4, Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (8046 1260, 6457 1922) www.villalifestyles.cn 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场四层
water
Although the tap water in Beijing is safe for brushing your teeth, drinking it is not a good idea. It’s a good idea to make arrangements for drinking water as soon as you move in to your new home. There are many options for water filters, from under-the-sink systems to water coolers. Stores like Wal-mart and Suning (mentioned under "Humidifiers") sell them. Also, check Carrefour and Dazhong.
Carrefour 家乐福
You can find almost anything here, from food to electronics. It’s the place to find bargain prices if you are willing to fight the crowds.
Daily 8.30-10.30pm. 6B Beisanhuan Donglu, Chaoyang District. (8460 1043) 朝阳区北三环东路乙6号(中国国际展览中心正门旁) See Directory for more listings.
Dazhong 大中电器连锁店
These stores are plentiful across Beijing and offer domestic and foreign brands of household appliances, electronics and more.
Daily 9.30am-7pm. 200 meters west of Dawang Qiao, Jianguo Lu (across from Wanda Plaza), Chaoyang District (8884 9522) 朝阳区大望桥店,建国路大望桥往西200米万达广场对面
organic foods
Let’s face it, we’re all concerned about food safety in China. Being new to Beijing, you may be wondering if you can buy anything fresh and pollutant-free. There are a number of organic shops, restaurants and products to help you take control of what goes into your body, and many offer home delivery. Eating locally grown organic produce not only helps the environment but can also give your conscience a boost.
Green Cow Organic Farm 绿牛有机农庄
Receive weekly cases of seasonal organic fruits and vegetables from this Shunyi farm. Members only.
Donggezhuang (10 min north of the International Exhibition Center), Houshayu Zhen, Shunyi District (8046 4301, theloverlygreencow@gmail.com) 顺义区北京绿牛有机农场（北京京承高速与机场北线交汇处的东北方向董各庄附近）
De Run Wu Organic Farm 德润屋有机农场
This family-run organic farm grows over 100 types of crops year-round. You can purchase products at the farm or have them delivered. Minimum purchase four kilos, RMB 20/kilo; for orders under eight kilos, add RMB 20 for delivery.
Strawberry Fields, Xinzhuang, Xingshou Town, Changping District. (8459 0809, jiyunliang@vip.163.com) 昌平区兴寿镇辛庄草莓园
Lohao City 乐活城
Highlights include 100 percent organic homemade soymilk, pickled vegetables and imported dry goods, including muesli, cookies and pasta, as well as organic and dairy-free chocolates.
Daily 8am-10pm. Shop 101, Bldg 17, Central Park International, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6533 6465) www.lohaocity.com 朝阳区朝外大街6号新城国际二期17号楼101 See Directory for more listings.
pet supplies
Pet ownership is on the rise in China, so you won’t have any trouble finding brand name food and pet supplies for your kitty or pooch.
Lee Pet 乐宠
As Beijing’s largest pet store, this is your one-stop shop for all your pet’s needs. Not only do they sell pet food products, they offer in-house grooming, photography and kennel services.
Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9.30pm. 3/F, Unit 3097, Bldg A, Chaowai Soho, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5869 5281) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号朝外SOHO,A座3层3097 See Directory for more listings.
Coolbaby Pets Store 酷迪宠用品
You’ll find everything your pet needs here. With 25 locations in Beijing, it is a convenient place to shop for your furry companion.
Daily 10am-8pm. Rm 6, Bldg 14, Dongzhimennei Dajie, Dongcheng District (8407 4198) www.kudipets.com 东城区东直门内大街14号楼6号
