Also known by some as China World Mall, this shopping centre offers a myriad of brand names to choose from including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Moschino, and Burberry.

Other less expensive brands like Ports, Espirit, L'Occitane, Red Earth and BCBG are also available.

The décor is somewhat comparable with many western shopping malls. If offers a clean environment, air-conditioning, eating outlets and entertainment venues like the ice skating rink will make you feel right at home.

Beijing’s ritziest mall is attached to the equally luxurious China World Hotel. The mall, which is also known simply as Guomao and it is home to elite international brands such as Moschino, Prada, Cartier, Chloe, Christian Dior, Loewe, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Fendi, Celine and Hermes.

For those who don’t own small islands in the Pacific, there’s a good selection of other, more practical shops too. A Watson’s Chemist, Valentino Chocolatier, Sephora and fun Dutch home decor shop Potato@Co. All feature, as do a clutch of mid range men’s and women’s clothing shops like Esprit and Nine West. Prices are at least as expensive as back home.

For quality souvenirs, check out Tian Fu, a branch of the famous Chinese tea sellers or Emperor, which sells silk bedding and table linens. The ground level of China World contains airline offices, American Express, a food court, and Beijing's first (but now far from only) Starbucks. The Le Cool ice skating rink is in the basement.

Address: 1 Jianguomen wai Dajie (Northwest of Guomao Bridge), Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京朝阳区建国门外大街1号 Phone: 010-6505-2288 Transportation: Subway Line 1 at Guomao; bus 1, 4, 9, 28, 37, 52, 312, 928, 930, 938, 974 at Guomao Hours: Daily 9:30am-10pm Website: www.chinaworldmall.com or www.cwtc.com/english/shop