You can find pretty much anything you need in Beijing. The city offers many shopping centers, markets, gift shops and so on. When one hears the word 'market' in the context of China one might imagine an outdoors area with peddlers, stocks on carpets like in ancient times.

The truth is that most of the markets in Beijing are modern, indoors, usually several stories high and are much closer to a mall than to a market. One thing remained the same though - you have to bargain.

Besides bargaining, a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Always check the item and make sure that it's working, especially when it comes to electronics. Quite often people will try to sell you faulty items that will pass a brief inspection.
• After you are sure the item is working make sure this is the item they are giving you. Sometimes to try to switch between the working items they showed you and a faulty one they have in the back.
• Always ask for warranty and make sure you can come back and replace the item in case it's not working. Always get a receipt / invoice and the business card of the seller when possible. Mind that in China the normal period of warranty for electrical appliances and electronics is 90 days.