Your 11.11 Guide for Saving in Beijing

If you’ve been seeing a flurry of shopping app notifications or hearing your local friends chatter about “deals” and “shopping carts” lately, you’re not imagining things. What you’re witnessing is the build-up to the biggest shopping event of the year in China: 11.11, or Singles’ Day.

I know, it can sound overwhelming. But as a parent, think of it less as a chaotic sale and more as your annual chance to stock up on all the kid stuff – from diapers to winter coats – without blowing your budget. Let me break it down for you, parent-to-parent.

Here’s what you need to know about 11.11.

Imagine if Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day had a mega-sales baby. That’s 11.11. It started as a lighthearted day for single people but has morphed into a shopping festival where everyone wins, especially families.

The key thing to know is that it’s not just one day. The “shopping season” now starts in late October, with the main event on Nov 11. For us, that means we don’t have to panic on a single day; we can shop smart over a couple of weeks.

So why is this great for families? Saving money, of course! Let’s be real: raising kids in Beijing isn’t always cheap, especially when it comes to imported brands or fun family outings. Given this, 11.11 is your secret weapon to make it more affordable.

Here’s what your family can actually save money on:

The Nitty-Gritty: Diapers, formula, wipes and baby food. Buying a few months’ supply of your trusted imported brand can save you a small fortune.
The Gear: Think fancy strollers, car seats and even bigger-kid stuff like bikes and tablets for school. It’s the perfect time to upgrade that item you’ve had your eye on but haven’t purchased yet because it carries a pretty hefty price tag.
Clothes: Kids grow at an alarming rate, don’t they? Buy the next size up in winter coats, shoes and play clothes.
Home Stuff: That air purifier you’ve been thinking about? Or a new humidifier for the dry winter? Big discounts.
The Fun Stuff: This is a great one! Look for deals on family experiences.

Now get ready, get set and use the right apps.

Taobao & Tmall: Think of Taobao as a gigantic, bustling market. Tmall is the more polished, brand-name section of that market. For us parents, Tmall is our best friend because it hosts the official stores for brands like Pampers, LEGO and Gap. You know you’re getting the real deal.

JD.com: If Taobao is a market, JD.com is a lightning-fast, super-efficient department store. This is my top recommendation for families. Why? Their delivery in Beijing is unbelievably quick (often next-day), and they are the kings of authentic electronics, groceries and heavy items. This is where you order that giant box of diapers or a new air purifier without a second thought.

The golden rule? Don’t wait until Nov 11! The real pros shop during the “pre-sale” period. Here’s how to do it:

So, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. A little preparation means you can conquer 11.11, stock up on essentials and treat your family – all while keeping some extra cash in your pocket.

Happy shopping!