Honestly, the *Silk Market*, or what used to be called Silk Alley, is your best bet. Seriously, like, 99% of the time. You’ll find it mentioned *everywhere* when people talk about fake goods in Beijing. Clothing, bags, luggage, and yeah, watches. Lots and lots of watches. I swear, sometimes I think more fake Rolexes are sold there than real ones *anywhere*.
Now, don’t go in expecting a pristine, air-conditioned, luxury shopping experience. It’s kinda… hectic. It’s crowded, pushy, and the vendors are *relentless*. Like, seriously, they will grab your arm and try to drag you into their stall. Be prepared to haggle! And I mean HAGGLE. Start way, *way* lower than what they’re asking. If they look offended, good! You’re doing it right. Walk away, and they’ll probably chase you down with a better offer. It’s all part of the “fun,” I guess.
I saw some article saying there are five best fake markets in China. I don’t know about that. I’ve only been to Beijing’s Silk Market. It’s pretty good for me. Why bother to go anywhere else?
Honestly, quality is…variable. You’ll see some absolute garbage that looks like it was made in a kindergarten art class, and then you’ll see some…surprisingly decent stuff. It depends on the vendor, and frankly, your luck. Know your brands if you are in the market for high-quality replicas.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of fakes. Like, I’d rather save up and buy the real deal. But hey, to each their own, right? If you’re just looking for a fun souvenir or a watch that looks good from a distance, the Silk Market is totally the place to go. Just, you know, don’t try to pass it off as genuine. Nobody’s gonna believe you, anyway.
