It’s that time of the year when we start thinking about creative and spooky costumes. While there are many options for purchasing new costumes on Taobao, there are also great alternatives for those looking for a more sustainable choice. After all, it’s a whole outfit that you’ll essentially only wear for a few hours anyway.

There are two excellent places to find secondhand Halloween costumes in Beijing. One’s our favorite secondhand store, Roundabout, and the other is a WeChat group that’s dedicated to costumes.

Why is Roundabout so great? Well, first of all, their warehouse is HUGE! There are plenty of amazing treasures just waiting to be discovered year-round, but during October, they become one of the best places to find Halloween decorations and costumes in person.

Roundabout takes in donated items, sells them and uses the proceeds to assist those in need. So, not only can you get a great costume, but you can also contribute to a worthy cause. They’ve already got their Halloween decorations out in the store, so find some time to stop by and browse through their huge selection for this year’s costumes.

Find it:
Cathay View Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Shunyi District (behind Didi’s Market at the intersection with Jingmi Lu)
顺义区香江北路2号
Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6pm
Tel: 137 1877 7761 (English), 137 1805 3814 (Chinese only)

Then there’s the BJ COSTUMES EXCHANGE, a WeChat group that’s just for people in Beijing to sell and trade their costumes. It’s quiet most months of the year, but when the leaves turn orange and Halloween season creeps around the corner, the group comes to life once again. To join, scan the QR code below.

Images: Roundabout

Admit it: Luxury has a certain pull, whether it’s a designer bag, a pair of super fancy shoes, pricy Dyson home appliances, or a Canon camera to capture those special family moments. But the high price tags, or rather, the brand premium, can often make us hesitate. We’re always searching for that sweet spot: guaranteed authenticity without breaking the bank. I recently discovered that on the third floor of Beijing’s Friendship Store on Jianguomenwai, the “Super Zhuanzhuan（超级转转)” pre-owned marketplace might just be the elegant solution we’ve been looking for.

Nestled in the heart of the embassy district at Friendship Store (17 Jianguomenwai Dajie), this historic shopping complex, with over 60 years of heritage, naturally carries an international flair. It’s a relic of the old days, before Taikoo Li and the Joy City malls were built, where foreign visitors to Beijing were very limited to where they could shop for souvenirs.

But now, take subway Line 1 or 2 to Jianguomen station, Exit B, and it’s just a five-minute walk. Look for “zhuanzhuan” on the third floor – you’ll see clear signage inside the elevators too.

At the entrance, you’ll need to place your personal bags and any drinks in designated areas. The place is huge, and they don’t want you accidentally spilling your coffee on their designer stuff. There are free lockers and dedicated drink shelves provided.

Before you start shopping, the staff will give you complimentary disposable gloves (mandatory for handling luxury items). It’s worth noting that all signage here is bilingual, making it very user-friendly.

What sets this place apart from other Beijing second-hand markets is its strict, standardized management. All items undergo UV disinfection, and every single piece is authenticated by Zhuanzhuan’s official quality inspectors. High-value items like watches receive a second round of authentication from CIC (China Inspection Company), so you can shop knowing that none of the pieces in the store are knockoffs.

Within this 3,000sqm warehouse-style space, you’ll find far more than just the countless handbags that first catch your eye. The selection includes designer sunglasses, accessories, clothing, watches and electronics like phones, cameras and PlayStations. Luxury brands range from the accessible Coach and Michael Kors to Louis Vuitton, Celine, Prada, Chanel and even Hermès and Rolex. You might even uncover some hard-to-find vintage pieces.

You can inspect each item yourself to judge its condition. Naturally, items with fewer signs of use command slightly higher prices. Most goods are in excellent condition, ranging from 90 percent new to near-mint. For instance, a large LV Neverfull bag in near-mint condition might cost nearly RMB 2,000 more than one that has a bit more wear. Crucially, compared to official retail prices, you’re generally looking at spending just 30-50 percent of the original cost.

This isn’t just a haven for the ladies who want designer bags! There’s plenty of great stuff for everyone. There’s a wide array of cameras, speakers, headphones and gaming consoles like Switch and PS, along with accessories such as game cartridges, controllers, mechanical keyboards and gaming mice. You can get a complete gaming setup on a budget.​Most importantly, if you’re socially anxious and dislike the hard sell often encountered in boutique stores, you can relax completely here. The fully self-service shopping experience is wonderfully low-pressure. Spot something you like? Simply scan the QR code on the product tag using WeChat. Instantly, you’ll see all the details: condition, brand, model, color, material and more. Honestly, you could easily spend an entire day browsing.

So, next time you want an experience different from the likes of SKP, China World Mall, or Yintai Center, give this air-conditioned, well-organized pre-loved space a few hours. Try an experience that’s reassuring, relaxed, and offers incredible value for money.

Find it:
Super Zhuanzhuan 超级转转
3/F, 17 Jianguomenwai Daijie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街17号3楼

Images: Siyu He

In my house, we LOVE getting new books! So, whenever Roundabout announces an upcoming book fair, my stomach flutters with excitement. What cool new discoveries will I find and, where are my giant blue IKEA bags!? I’m going to need ’em for all the great books and more that I know I’m going to find there.

The next Roundabout book fair is coming up this Saturday at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi, and it’s open to the whole community.

The books are donated by the BSB community and everyone is invited to come browse, read, catch up with friends, and have some quality family fun at Chatterbox Cafe. There will be quality second-hand books on sale for all interests and ages with a large assortment of languages and genres. All proceeds will go to a Roundabout mission project.

All books at Roundabout book fairs are donated. Thanks to all the volunteers for sorting and pricing the books.

It’s also a great opportunity to teach your kids how to declutter. Bring your unwanted books with you on the day to donate if you would like to help and make room on your bookshelf for all the new books that you’re sure to bring home.

All the proceeds from this Saturday’s book fair will be going to help Hao Ran and Tongtong’s bone marrow transplants.

Can’t make it to the book fair this Saturday or maybe you’re just curious about what books you’ll find? Check out the Roundabout mini program.

The books are organized by categories, and then you can start browsing. The books available on Roundabout’s WeChat mini program are different than those in the store. The Roundabout team has taken the time to photograph each book so you know what you’re getting. They’ve also taken the time to put only the top quality books online, so when you get them they’re almost as good as new. For parents looking for kids’ books, you can rest assured and shop knowing that you’re not going to be getting a book with missing pages when your kuaidi arrives.

And remember, money spent at the book fair this weekend and on the Roundabout mini program always goes towards a good cause, so get those fingers clicking and shop away!

Images: Roundabout, Mina Yan, British School of Beijing Shunyi

Recently an Instagram post gave me a rude awakening. Borrowed By Baby is an Australian company that offers monthly subscriptions of baby clothes you can borrow, wear, and return.

And 280 pieces of clothing by the time a child turns 2 years old might be an understatement for some parents. When I was pregnant my dad kept on reminding me not to buy my daughter clothes. “They grow in the blink of an eye and it’ll be too small before she even gets to wear it,” he’d say. And for a while, I was really good about it. I bought literally just two onesies in anticipation of her arrival (both of which were never even worn before they became too small), and used all the stuff I got as baby gifts from friends, family, and the hospital.

By the time my daughter was born, she had about 50 pieces of clothing. Now, she’s about to turn 2 years old and has a walk-in closet that’s completely packed. The number 280 definitely isn’t an exaggeration.

Borrowed By Baby has a fantastic concept that doesn’t contribute waste to the planet.

While their service is only available in Australia, in Beijing there’s our own version of it that sprung up in the form of buy/sell WeChat groups that specialize in kids’ items.

You can find all sorts of great things from toys, books, and definitely all kinds of clothes for your little ones, all for really low prices. With plenty of parents looking to declutter their kids’ rooms every season, these WeChat groups are always places for great finds. And what I love the most about getting secondhand clothes for my kid is that I can shop without the guilt that I’m contributing additional waste to the planet, piggyback on the cool styles that other parents have picked out for their little ones, and get pieces of clothing that have been loved and washed, so that the fabric is already soft and worn in.

Here are a few of the most active secondhand WeChat groups specifically for kids’ stuff.

Clothes-shoes for kids

This group is as straightforward as its name. If you’re only looking to buy some kids’ clothes and shoes, this is the group to join.

Add WeChat ID: Wilhelmina87 to join.

Maternity, Newborn Buy & Sell CN

This group is for all your baby gadgets. There’s everything from clothes to books and toys that have been outgrown by kids.

Add WeChat ID: fukai2504 to join.

KID Stuff: Buy, sell, swap. BJ

There’s everything from kids’ clothes and toys to furniture.

Add WeChat ID: lilin_ChinaDe to join.

And finally, let’s not forget about Roundabout! They’ve got a fantastic section of kids’ clothing with both used and brand new items alike. Roundabout is essentially a giant warehouse-like store filled with all sorts of donated items. You can get all your secondhand lifestyle needs there and it’s impossible to walk out without finding some hidden gems.

When you shop at Roundabout, your money goes to charity and medical cases that they’re currently supporting. To find out more information about Roundabout, follow them on WeChat.

Find it:
Cathay View Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Shunyi District
顺义区香江北路2号
Tel: 137 1877 7761 (English), 137 1805 3814 (Chinese only)

I’m all for the second-hand buy/sell groups. It’s great when something pre-loved finds a new home, and instead of taking up space in a box at your house gets a new chance of being used with someone else.

Beijing’s got multiple second-hand goodies groups and here’s how to join in.

Clothes-shoes for kids

This group is as straightforward as its name. If you’re only looking to buy some kids’ clothes, this is the group to join.

Add WeChat ID: Wilhelmina87 to join.

Maternity, Newborn Buy & Sell CN

This group is for all your baby gadgets. There’s everything from clothes to books and toys in there from parents whose kids have outgrown them.

Add WeChat ID: fukai2504 to join.

KID Stuff: Buy, sell, swap. BJ

Every parent knows kids outgrow their clothes in the blink of an eye! This group is great if you’re looking for kid stuff. There’s everything from kids’ clothes and toys, to furniture.

Add WeChat ID: lilin_ChinaDe to join.

These are just three of the more active groups for kids’ items. If you’d like to be added to others, message Wilhelmina87.

While I’ve purchased many great outfits for my kid, plenty of books, and even sold some furniture in these groups before, there are some seriously odd things that have made me go “Huh?”

1. ¥¥¥¥¥
It could totally just be me, but I think that these buy and sell groups are like virtual yard sales. You want to sell the stuff you don’t need anymore, and like at yard sales, you expect things to be cheap. Just because you spent RMB 1,000 on something a year ago and took really good care of it, doesn’t mean you can re-sell it for RMB 1,000 a year later. I always find it odd when someone tries to sell their used stuff for more money than the things cost on Taobao.

2. Makeup
During the age of social distancing, why would you buy second-hand makeup from a stranger? Don’t get me wrong, I share makeup with my girlfriends all the time, but that’s different. I know them! We go out to eat together, we drink together, we party together. In other words, we’re sharing germs already anyway. Used makeup from a stranger in a second-hand group is a different story. You can’t sanitize a used lipstick or eyeshadow, and you don’t know who’s used it in the past. If you buy a color that doesn’t look as good on you as you expected, give it to a friend or just toss it.

3. Undergarments
I can’t believe I’ve seen someone try to sell this in groups before. Fine, it was their kids’ underwear that they outgrew, but still. Gross!

4. Homemade Art
I’m sure you had a great time doing your home art project, but that doesn’t mean that others need to buy it. Over the past more than nine years I’ve lived in Beijing, there have been times when people have tried to sell their finished paint-by-number.

5. Medication
Yes, there is half-used medication in some of these groups. Most of the time it’s for kids, but please be careful. Medications expire and go bad if they’re not stored properly. You know how there’s a warning on most bottles that says, “Do not consume if opened”? This should always apply here!

Images: Pexels

I’ve never really been into buying second-hand clothing and apparel until recently. I don’t know why, but sorting through unorganized racks of clothes stresses me out a bit. But, my colleague Vivienne Tseng-Rush kept on showing up to work in beautiful pieces that she found on Xianyu, a second-hand app that sells virtually everything. If you’re not familiar with the app, click here for a step-by-step guide on how to use it.

So, needless to say, after seeing her in her Xianyu finds, I was increasingly tempted to explore the second-hand world for myself.

And let me tell you, that world was blown wide open while scrolling through Douyin, when I came across an ad for a new app called 红布林 hongbulin. Much like Xianyu, it specializes in second-hand items, however, hongbulin has cornered the luxury goods market. Not only that, everything on the site is authenticated by professionals so you know you’re purchasing the real deal and not a knockoff. They’ve also taken the time to photograph every little defect on an item so you know exactly what you’re getting.

The interface functions like any other online shopping app and it’s easy enough to use, even if you don’t read Chinese like me. Moreover, each category has a picture and brand names can be searched in English.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve found myself scrolling through hongbulin at night and adding finds to my shopping cart. A Louis Vuitton Alma Bag that was originally RMB 19,890 for RMB 3,628, and an RMB 100,320 Hermes Birkin selling for RMB 57,588 were just two of the many, many bags I was tempted by.

For my first purchase, I settled on a white Louis Vuitton Totally bag that originally goes for RMB 11,870, and was selling at RMB 3,408. It arrived within the week, complete with an authentication verification tag attached, and the quality was exactly how they showed it online. Yay!

If you’re curious and eager to find some hidden treasures from the comfort of your home, hongbulin is a rabbit hole that’s just waiting for you to fall down into.

Happy holidays and enjoy your shopping!

KEEP READING: All My Designer Clothes Are From Xianyu, China’s Leading Secondhand Shopping App

Images: Mina Yan

Roundabout Retail is every second-hand treasure hunter’s dream, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts that are good for your budget, the planet, and the community. Here are a few ideas.

Toy Section: It’s not just for the kids. Rummage through and see if you can’t find your significant other’s favorite childhood board game. It’s a nostalgic gift that will not only bring back memories but also make some new ones when they teach the kids how to play at the next family game night.

Retro Rewind: Help the fashionista in your life go retro. A cool set of jelly bracelets – I have it on authority that the ’90s are back – or a classic clutch purse that no one else has will become their go-to statement piece.

The Real World Market: For any of you who remember and loved a store called World Market, the back left side of Roundabout is your mecca. Filled with treasures that wouldn’t fit in the shipping container or suitcase when someone’s assignment ended, these abandoned art pieces are just waiting for a new home to grace.

Local Finds: Next to the register is a table filled with ornaments, pillow covers, organic toiletries, and a host of other amazing items by local artisans like Sew Gorgeous and Bulk House. The profits from this section are specifically earmarked for children in need.

I have been living here for two years, and accumulated many belongings. Many things I won’t be taking along with me when I move away from Beijing. Unfortunately there is no use shipping your IKEA stuff. I have made this mistake before – let’s just say, it would have been cheaper to get rid of it and buy new.

If you are a seasoned expat, you know not to move your plates and cutlery as that will be the first thing you need when you arrive at your next location, while waiting on your shipment. I have been looking around and thinking what I would do with all the things that are making my home so comfortable now. If you want to move don’t worry about moving companies, Fox Removals is the greatest in town, so your belongings can be handled with care.

But where do you get rid of all the things you don’t want to ship?

Sell and Buy groups on WeChat
There are several groups specifically for the purpose of selling and buying secondhand things. Take some neat pictures of your stuff, and sell away. Air purifiers are an especially exciting thing to get rid of when you leave Beijing.

Yahoo Groups
Many new expats in Beijing won’t have WeChat yet, and will try to connect through Yahoo Groups. I did so, and that’s how I found out about WeChat. It can be worth the effort to post your belongings there.

Garage Sale
Holding a sale can help get rid of the stuff you don’t want to take along. Pick a time and date, and make a nice poster to market your sale. Spread the word – and don’t forget to hide the things in your home you don’t want to sell.

Apps
There are several Chinese apps that are similar to Ebay. I won’t be using them, as I don’t speak Chinese, but if you are handy or have Chinese friends that can help you, you can advertise your belongings on there.

Roundabout
There are some things not worth selling, like your spatulas for example. Donate these to Roundabout. They have a home pick up service. Consider donating the stuff you can’t sell too, it’s all for a good cause.

Give It Away
I call it the expat inheritance: opened spices, and medication that you don’t want to pack up. Give it to your friends who are not leaving Beijing. Many people are very grateful for a half-used bottle of soy sauce.

Trash
Some things can’t be given away or reused. Nobody wants your old underwear. Or broken dog bed. Consider trashing it. If you are not sure, leave it next to the trash and it will be picked up.

Missourian Jessica Rapp (the former style and nightlife editor of the Beijinger, beijingkids’ sister magazine), is organizing a flea market this Saturday July 11 on the rooftop of The Bookworm. With over 20 vendors, the flea market begins at noon and runs until 8pm. Thrift to your heart’s content from a selection of second-hand clothes and accessories, pick up an original piece by a local designer, or just get your snack on.

Your bargain-hunting can benefit more than just your wardrobe: some of the vendors are donating their proceeds to various charities in support of victims of the earthquake in Nepal. And if riffling through one man’s trash in search of your own personal treasure makes you hungry, Big Bear Baked Goods, Sweet Tart Bakery, and others will be on hand to supply a sugar fix.

Photo: Ken