Dressed to Thrill: Where to Buy Halloween Costumes in Beijing

It's that time of year again, where the boundaries between this realm and the netherworld are said to dissolve. Halloween, or wansheng jie as it’s known in these parts, is upon us again. That means another chance for you to dress yourself or your little ones up in something perfectly frightening. To make sure you get your costume sorted before darkness falls, we've come up with a list of shops, markets and websites that will aid you in pulling you and your kids' Halloween togs together.

Alien Street Market
The creatively named Alien Street Market stocks all sorts of bizarre and kitschy trinkets with which you can adorn your costume. Plastic swords, feather scarves, multicolored wigs and a notable fur collection grace this market. Yabao Lu (south of Fulllink Plaza), Chaoyang District.
老番街市场, 朝阳区雅宝路

Beta Costume Rentals
If you don’t want to go through all the toil and trouble of putting a costume together, then why not rent one? This online rental store has a vast collection, ranging from Grim Reaper costumes to full Hello Kitty regalia. Prices range from RMB 60-150.
(6844 4222) www.beeta.cn

Hongqiao Market
For cheap knick-knacks, makeup and spectacular wigs, Hongqiao Market is the place to be. If you buy any fabric on the upper floors, you could always enlist a tailor to fashion your material into something spooky and haunting. Daily 8.30am-7pm. 36 Hongqiao Lu, Chongwen District. (6713 3354)
红桥市场, 崇文区红桥路36号

Huan Run
If you’ve left it until the last minute, try Hua Run costume rentals for foreign and traditional getup. Price ranges from RMB 50-100. Daily 9am-6pm. 19/F, Bldg 5, Wanda Plaza, Chaoyang District. (5979 8013) www.fuzhuangzulin.com
寰润, 万达广场5号楼17层

Kids Plus
For kids' costume sets – especially Disney-themed outfits – head to Kids Plus. Capes and masks to fit adults are also available. Daily 9am-7pm. 701 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District. (8046 4572)
顺义区天竺房地产开发区荣祥广场701号

Panjiayuan Market
Why not have a dig around in the cosmos of clutter and unearth some old-school Chinese clothing? Get there early and bargain hard. Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm, Sat-Sun 4.30am-6pm. West of Panjiayuan Qiao, Chaoyang District. (6775 2405)
潘家园旧货市场, 朝阳区潘家园桥西边

Tot to Teen
This moderately priced clothes store stocks a supply of wands, butterfly wings and fancy dress for the kids. Feeling creative? Make use of the brightly colored fabric pens and doodle your way to a spooky costume. 1) Daily 9am-7pm. 703 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District. (8046 4419, tot-to-teen@hotmail.com); 2) Daily 10am-7pm. Stall 102, 30 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 9640, tot-to-teen@hotmail.com)
红马车儿童用品商店, 1) 顺义区天竺房地产开发区荣祥广场703号; 2) 朝阳区三里屯路30号102商店

Tian Le Toy Market
This four-story toy emporium lies just beside Hongqiao Market. Pop inside and browse the booths, which stock a decent range of Halloween goodies and fancy dress outfits for the tots. Daily 8.30am-7pm. 136 Fahuasi Jie, Chongwen District.
红桥天乐玩具市场, 崇文区法华寺街136号

Wudaokou Clothing Market
Wade through the sea of students to find some costume accessories. There’s plenty of cheap clothing, not to mention impressive wigs, fantastic jewelry and fake tattoos that should provide inspiration. Daily 9am-7.30pm. Northeast corner of Xueyuan Lu and Beisihuan Lu, Haidian District. (6239 6347)
五道口服装市场, 海淀区学院路和北四环路十字路口的东北角

Yashow Market
With five floors stocking everything you can possibly imagine, the infamous Yashow Market can certainly provide you with adequate Halloween paraphernalia. Come here to stock up on masks, makeup and fangs. Daily 9.30am-9pm. 58 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6415 1726)
雅秀市场, 朝阳区工体北路58号