Nowhere in the world is the juxtaposition of old and new more apparent than in Beijing. The city where ancient palaces and winding hutongs blend with jarring steel constructions is a study in contrasts. When you travel China, Beijing shopping is just as startling. You can lose hours just browsing through the traditional art of cloisonne (dating back to the Ming Dynasty), jade and ceramic vases, imperial embroidery, silk flowers, fans and lanterns. Food markets are unforgettable. Rows of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and dried products are a far cry from western supermarkets. Of course the signs of progress are everywhere, including shopping centres boasting major brands. Sunlitan Village If you choose to stay in Sunlitan you will not only have access to some of the best hotels in Beijing (our pick is the retro-chic Hotel-G) but also one of the most diverse shopping experiences. Sunlitan Village offers more than 200 stores and its design has been inspired by the city's traditional hutong (streets and courtyard) communities. Boasting China's first Apple Store, you will also find other big international brands such as sporting icons Adidas and Nike and Japan's trendy UNIQLO. Ask the concierge at your Beijing boutique hotel for the best way to get to Sunlitan Village. If you stay nearby (in Beijing, luxury hotels are concentrated in the popular Sunlitan district) a taxi may be your best option. In the Village North you will find luxury designers including watchmaker Rolex and Italian runway designers including Versace. There's only one place to go if you want to look stylish in Beijing - boutique shops! Hotel staff will be able to update you on special offers and activities at the village. Street markets For a truly authentic Chinese experience, step outside your chic hotel in Beijing and explore the city's marketplaces. These are exploding with sounds, sights and smells to intrigue and delight the senses. Chaoyang District is vast and offers plenty of market places in addition to the Sunlitan Village (for westerners, it really is one of the most convenient locations to stay in Beijing). Sunyuanli is tucked away in the middle of Chaoyang and offers some western favourites which will be hard to find in other Chinese markets. Butter, cheese and cream do not appeal to the palate of Beijingers but if you're craving dairy head to the Sunyuanli Market (you may also be able to source dairy by request at boutique hotels). In China, fresh dairy products can be hard to find. Tourist goods Old-style Nanluoguxiang is a very popular tourist destination. You will find plenty of variety on this street, but there is an emphasis on traditional Chinese products. They may be a little kitsch, but if you want to take home some Beijing memorabilia (just so you can prove you did stay in Beijing!) then check it out. From Mao paraphernalia to incense and customized t-shirts, it's worth at least one visit while you're in Beijing. Boutiques, hotels and other tourist sites are all nearby. From authentic street markets, to tourist hotspots you will want to set some time aside for shopping while in Beijing. Luxury hotels and an unbeatable variety of shops make the Sunlitan district one of the best places to stay if you want to splash some cash!