Most Old-School Atmosphere: The beautiful Qing-era buildings of the Dazhalan shopping district house traditional shops selling silk, calligraphy, and antiques.

Best All-Around Shopping Experience: Wangfujing Avenue has every retail option imaginable, from modern malls to traditional shops, with the famous Donghuamen street-food market at the north end of the street.

Best Books: Enjoy a coffee while you browse the titles on offer at The Bookworm, which stocks the best collection of English books in the capital city; it’s also home to Beijing’s annual literary festival.

Best Local Designer: Pick up a piece of Beijing’s fashion scene at candy&caviar, where Chicago-born designer Candy Lin is famous for her hooded blazers and smart-casual dresses.

Most Vintage Clothes: Keep abreast of Beijing’s craze for retro fashion at Mega Mega Vintage, which features carefully chosen garments and accessories.

Best T-Shirts: Plastered T-Shirts sells just that: T-shirts emblazoned with classic Chinese images like Chariman Mao, the double happiness symbol, and lucky number 8.

Best Souvenirs: Check out images of Beijing in days gone by with a visit to Beijing Postcard. The shop sells copies of old postcards and photos that make great gifts and souvenirs.

Best Concept: Looking for a funky gift? It’s literally in the box at Fengguo Box Store, where vendors rent clear displays to sell their handmade crafts.

Best Retro Toys: Quirky Old-Toxin Tin Toys sells replicas of the hollow metal toys that every pre-’80s Beijing child played with. The toys here make great souvenirs for kids and kids at heart.