The Zoo Market in Beijing: Down and Dirty (4)

（CRI Online）  09:43, November 28, 2012

Ya Qisong, an English and Spanish student, said she prefers the basement level of Shijitianle for its Japanese and European styles, noting that famous people such as Fan Bingbing ("China's Most Beautiful Person" in 2010) like shopping there.

"I personally don't like the environment because it's too dirty and too crowded, but famous people (because they're rich) always go to expensive places, so maybe they want a change sometimes," she said.

There is an entertaining sense that the Zoo Market is its own reality where fashion trends are on steroids, and the trainer is out to lunch. Overload is one result, so most shoppers know that this market isn't a quick stopover.

Ya deadpanned a common sentiment about the Zoo Market: You'll have to search through a lot of clothes before you find what you're after.

Getting there:
From the Zoo subway station, take exit C.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.