Halloween Gear

Halloween, or Wansheng Jie (万圣节) as it’s known in Chinese, is upon us, so this is the season to transform your little ones into ghosts, princesses and pirates. We’ve compiled a list of Beijing’s top shops and markets for that.

Alien Street Market
Find bizarre and kitschy trinkets, including plastic swords, feather scarves, multicolored wigs and a notable fur collection.
Yabao Lu, south of Fulllink Plaza, Chaoyang District 老番街市场, 朝阳区雅宝路

Beta Costume Rentals
This online rental store has a vast collection, ranging from Grim Reaper costumes to full Hello Kitty regalia. Prices range from RMB 60-150.
(6844 4222) www.beeta.cn

Hongqiao Market
Pick up cheap knick-knacks, makeup and spectacular wigs. If you buy any fabric on the upper floors, you can always enlist a tailor to fashion your material into a costume.
Daily 8.30am-7pm. 36 Hongqiao Lu, Chongwen District (6713 3354)
红桥市场, 崇文区红桥路36号

Huan Run
If you’ve left it until the last minute, rent foreign or traditional getup here. Price ranges from RMB 50-100.
Daily 9am-6pm. 19/F, Bldg 5, Wanda Plaza, Chaoyang District (5979 8013) www.fuzhuangzulin.com
寰润, 万达广场5号楼17层

Kids Plus
Kids will love the selection of Disney-themed outfits. Adult-size capes and masks are also available.
Daily 9am-7pm. 701 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development
Zone, Shunyi District (8046 4572) 顺义区天竺房地产开发区荣祥广场701号

Tot to Teen
This moderately priced clothes store stocks a supply of wands, butterfly wings and fancy dress for the kids.
Daily 9am-7pm. 703 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development
Zone, Shunyi District (8046 4419, tot-to-teen@hotmail.com);红马车儿童用品商店, 1) 顺义区天竺房地产开发区荣祥广场703号

Tian Le Toy Market
This four-story toy emporium lies just beside Hongqiao Market. Pop inside and browse the booths, which stock Halloween goodies and fancy dress outfits for tots.
Daily 8.30am-7pm. 136 Fahuasi Jie, Chongwen District
红桥天乐玩具市场, 崇文区法华寺街136号

This article is excerpted from beijingkids October 2011 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.