Lufthansa Shopping Center

This is a great big shopping mall with many restaurants and stores. Though this is a convenient place for foreigners, its probably not the most Chinese experience. Right outside the Third Ring Road and two blocks from church. There is a supermarket in the basement. Go down the stairs right inside the front doors of the building. This store offers most of the same items as Lido, only the price is even higher. However, it is convenient. They now carry the “Springfield” brand of obscure items like brownie mixes, shredded coconut, vanilla wafers, etc. Be aware that the prices will be many times higher than in the USA(e.g.: coconut for 4 USD a bag). There is also a good bakery counter. You can usually find” whipping cream” in the one liter box, as well as exotic cheeses. Not good for tight budgets.

You may want to check out the nearby Beijing Flower Supermarket is located across the canal from the Lufthansa Center. The first floor sells fresh cut flowers and plants. Upstairs is everything else! Here you can purchase all kinds of silk flower, vases, ribbons, candles (they have some scented), dishes, patio furniture as well as occasional rag doll or stuffed goose! There is one vendor with gorgeous wrapping paper from Taiwan, and another that sells the plastic paper used for flowers (nice for wrapping cookies too)! Additionally, you can purchase flower seeds and misc. small gardening tools.

Aditionally, Lai Tai Flower and Plant Market: About two blocks east of the Lufthansa Center, turn left under the “inflatable rainbow.” You will see a large sign on Liang Ma He, which will direct you. This is a huge complex of greenhouse. They sell gardening tools, yard plants, house plants, silk and fresh flowers.