This is the reincarnation of one of the capital's oldest free markets, the Yabao Lu shopping street in downtown Beijing's Russian Quarter. Relocated late last year to make room for new construction (surprise, surprise), Yabao Market enjoys a convenient new location a stone's throw from its old site. A few blocks east of the Chaoyangmen subway station, this is one of the largest, cleanest street markets in town.

Brand names are just as authentic (or not) as the outdoor markets on Silk Street and Sanlitun, but instead of requiring you to protect your purse against a mad rush of touts and other customers in a narrow alley, the Yabao Market is spacious and slow-paced. Prices are on par with outdoor markets, bargaining is essential, and most stalls are private enough to try on clothes.

The market comprises a circle of five warehouses and a newly opened outdoor snack street. You can find name-brand garments from Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo and Esprit as well as leather boots, plastic hotpants, finely-beaded skirts and sweaters, silk, lingerie and cashmere. The warehouses also stock toys, sporting goods, including rollerblades, tennis rackets and fishing tackle as well as miscellaneous items such cutlery, umbrellas, wristwatches, make-up, stationery, stick-on tattoos, Beanie Babies, pearls, picture frames and luggage.

Yabao Market
16 Chaoyangmenwai Street
(two blocks west of Landao Shopping Center), Chaoyang District
Tel: 6599-3516
Indoor market hours: 9:30 am-6 pm