Dating back about one thousand years, these neighborhoods of narrow, twisting streets represent the "real life" of Beijing, where passageways connect to courtyards of traditional compact homes. Pedicab tours of the hutongs are popular tourist attractions that normally include the Drum Tower, courtyard neighborhoods and Prince Gong's mansion.

Open on the weekends only, this colorful and fascinating market offers a huge assortment of antiques and oddities by more than 3,000 registered stallholders.

Abundant shops-from tech (Apple, GoPro) to makeup (Shu Uemura, innisfree) and clothing (Gap, H&M)-plus a selection of good and fairly inexpensive restaurants draw crowds, especially on weekends.

Beijing's oldest commercial street, just a block off pretty lake Houhai, is lined in traditional-style stone buildings that house charming souvenir and handicraft shops.

An outdoor playground makes this mall popular with families. Shoppers come for the range of stores-everything from MUJI to Gap-and stay for the restaurants, beauty services, and winter garden.

This is Beijing's largest and most popular market for pearl jewelry (notably freshwater pearls), clothing and luggage.

Wuyutai has been selling quality Chinese tea since 1887. Reasonably priced loose leaf and packaged teas are available; you can try most before you buy. Cap off your tasting with green tea soft serve.

One of the most upscale malls in Beijing, SKP is filled with shops selling pricey designer goods. Shop in air-conditioned comfort then have lunch at a restaurant like soup dumpling mecca Din Tai Fung.

In addition to global brands like Sephora, you'll also find stores selling souvenirs like chopsticks and silk pouches. There's a kids' play area, and the mall regularly hosts classes and events.

This plaza, at the edge of Chaoyang Park, has hundreds of shops from brands like Puma, H&M, and Mothercare. Restaurants, a cinema, art gallery, and regular events make this a popular local hangout.

Situated next to Dongzhimen transport hub, this immaculate mall is full of mid-range global brands plus local shops. The basement food court has excellent options ranging from sushi to kaya toast.

This mall-meets-museum is dotted with contemporary art-paintings, installations, and sculptures-and has a small gallery. The wide range of shops includes a bookstore, a parfumerie, and a bicycle shop.

Tea lovers flock to this 1,500-meter-long stretch of nearly 1,000 tea shops. Teas from across China are sold here, loose and bagged, and most can be sampled. To get the best price, plan to bargain.

Just off pedestrian street Wangfujing, this mall attracts avid shoppers from across China. Stores here include Apple, the drugstore Watson's, and women's clothing and accessories store Max Mara.

This bustling area is a hub for contemporary Chinese art with a wide array of different styles. This old factory compound has been perfectly converted to house numerous galleries and bookshops & cafes.

On this street packed with shops selling antiques and curios you'll find one of China's oldest and largest bookshops, selling vintage reprints of ancient texts as well as calligraphy supplies.