Calm Spirit/Ying Yu Jade China Trip 2005

Silk Street and Furniture in Beijing

Just when I feel balanced again and adjusted to the China time zone, it's time to go home! So today is the last day for shopping. We went to the Silk Market, which used to be a real market near the embassies, but in an effort to make Beijing less traditional and more modern, the government relocated it to a real multi-level building. Of course, now the prices have increased considerably. The small business seller could not afford the rent in the new building, and the transient sellers are gone, and so are the good deals and prices. It was a quick and disappointing trip.

Charles and I discussed the possibility of selling traditional Chinese furniture on my web site. He made some contacts to get it very inexpensively. Many Americans who live in China for awhile for business reasons really like the Chinese furniture and purchase it for their home, or to have shipped to them in the US, so several furniture dealers are experienced with shipping

The problem with selling furniture is that the customer will not get exactly what they order, as each piece is custom made. It's not like furniture here, where it is mass produced and you order from an inventory where everything is the same. But if you can deal with getting a unique piece of furniture that is similar to an exact photo, and you want a great price and are willing to wait for shipping by sea, let me know and I will be happy to help you place an order. Charles keeps furniture on display at his Kung Fu Studio and Tea House so if you are ever in Beijing, give him a call.

A last dinner, a last foot massage, a last stop at a jade shop on Wang Fu Jing to look at the bracelets I wanted for myself, but didn't buy, a last night in the hotel and then buffet breakfast, and a limo ride to the airport. We had a lot of luggage from our purchases to carry back, and the taxis are generally small and not enough room for everything, so we requested a hotel limo. This is a very convenient way to get to the airport because often the hotel will have a bell person at the airport to meet the limo, then help you with your luggage and more importantly, tell you what you are supposed to do. The Beijing Airport is well organized, and it was much easier than American airports to get your luggage checked, get your boarding pass, but of course you have to clear immigration, which was a long line and wait. The Beijing Airport has many shops and places to eat, and comfortable waiting. The plane was on time and we were on our way back to the US after what seemed like a very short trip. But my husband would tell you it was a long-enough trip, so it's a matter of opinion.

Speaking of opinions, the next section is tips for traveling to China, general commentaries and opinions so this is the end of the 2005 Calm Spirit/Ying Yu Jade China Travelog. But I will add thing and update pages as I check my notes, so please come back again. And I will be happy to hear and respond to your questions and comments: yingyujade@yingyujade.com

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