Diggin’ Dongsi: Beijing’s Most Underrated Shopping Strip

Don’t overlook the shopping potential of Dongsi, once one of Beijing’s premier mercantile destinations, known as Silver Street (Yin Jie).

Blue Hat
No blue hats here, but this bright, well-designed store has plenty of rustic accessories to recreate that country French cheer in your urban nest. A wealth of beaten metal flower pots (RMB 18-40) and watering cans suggest that you may be out picking lavender in the back garden at any moment. And what about a set of ceramic cups (RMB 82) for an impromptu tea party? Many of the knickknacks here are made of natural materials such as wood, twine, metal, and ceramics, and fans of sustainability will appreciate the “I’m not a paper cup” (RMB 59) – a ceramic and silicone version of the disposable coffee cup.
Daily 10am-9.30pm. 421-1 Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District. (6400 2683) 蓝礼小屋，东城区东四北大街421-1号

Aokiya
This veritable menagerie of stuffed animals goes beyond teddy bears and bunny rabbits, with purple sting rays, sea turtles, and the exotic denizens of the rainforest (fancy a lemur?). Disney and Pixar characters are also represented, but it’s the creative animals that really catch the eye. Toys start at RMB 30, and a larger-than-life version of Miyazaki’s Totoro goes for RMB 1,338.
Daily 10.30am-10.30pm. 426 Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District. (6401 3096) 青木屋，东城区北四北大街426号

inLifeshop
The ground floor of this this home accessories shop stocks an impressive range of items for the kitchen, bathroom, and office, all simple and chic and arranged by color. The offerings upstairs are more eclectic, ranging from wooden vases and crafts from Thailand to LED lighting to vibrant and multi-colored throws (RMB 360) and pillows.
Daily 10am–10pm. 57 Dongsi Nandajie, Dongcheng District. (6522 4865) 品生活, 东城区东四南大街57号

Music Store
Cheerfully blasting music out into the street, this store features great collections of rock, jazz, and metal, including a range of foreign imports that one doesn’t find elsewhere, though prices aren’t cheap (most range RMB 45-120). Chinese rock is also well represented. The staff of hip, buff Beijingers, are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help.
Daily 10am-10pm. 66 Dongsi Nandajie, Dongcheng District. (6523 2460) 音乐中心, 东城区东四南大街66号

Ziyin Yifang
This little gem on Dongsi Nandajie offers handmade ethnic-minority style clothing with a contemporary twist. Highlights include the light cotton qipao dresses (RMB 150-180), with hand-painted wispy mountain scenery in acrylics, which look great with a pair of jeans.
Daily 10am-10:30pm. 55 Dongsi Nandajie, Dongcheng District. (139 1026 9627) 子矜衣坊，东城区东四南大街55号

I’d
Stop by this small boutique before your next big night out: Grab one of the colorful, glitzy dresses (RMB 598), and match it with platform sandals (RMB 398) or a pair of Steve Madden gray suede heels (RMB 698), or if you feel like breaking the bank, a good-quality leather jacket (RMB 2,860). Hair accessories, scarves, belts, watches and jewelry are all on hand to help complete your outfit.
Daily 10.30am-10.30pm. 395 Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District. (8402 1390) 东城区东四北大街395号

Lazy Sunday
Plays homage to UK retro with a collection of model double-decker buses, vintage clothing and Union Jack plates. Highlights include the eclectic mix of vintage clothes and the smart men’s blazers (RMB 680), as well as the retro canvas trainers (RMB 480) and uniquely designed heels decorated with crocheted flowers and beads (RMB 320). The aviator hats and goggles (RMB 260) are a fun find if in the mood to assume the guise of a WWI pilot or, alternatively, a Japanese steampunk anime character.
Daily 11am–10pm. 423 Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District. (6404 6418) 懒日， 东城区东四北大街423号

Middle Blue
With a name that means literally “Mediterranean Blue,” this shop is full of cute and stylish knickknacks like subtly rabbit-shaped pillows (RMB 60) and handmade pull-string bags (RMB 55). At the back, you’ll find a wide collection of fashion jewelry – though the stones and materials are nothing special, the designs are bold and colorful. A pair of earrings go for RMB 98.
Daily 10am-10pm. 377 Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District. (8403 0644) 地中海蓝，东城区东四北大街377号

Mess
This slick urban boutique caters to men, with arty, minimalist T-shirts (RMB 220-390) and loose fitting jeans (RMB 1,480). They have an impressive selection of Vans trainers, as well as clothing from Japanese label Kiks Tyo, which specializes in street wear along the lines of A Bathing Ape.
Daily 11am–7pm. 484A Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District. (6404 4456) 东城区东四北大街484A号