When taking the plunge to move overseas, many an expat will need to face the challenge of downsizing and packing the “essentials”. For me, I made sure to have a year supply of contacts and a good pair of glasses ready. I knew it wouldn't be easy to secure new eye wear, nor did I want the hassle. But when a friend asked if I'd like to join him on his trip to the glasses mart, I reasoned it wouldn't hurt to have an extra pair or two around. As it turns out, purchasing new glasses is surprisingly easy and affordable.
Where to go: Two large glasses marts are located in the Chaoyang District, near the Panjiayuan subway station on Line 10. From the northwest exit, you'll continue north until you see a large building with the outline of glasses along the side of it. A taller building with a matching glasses outline is across the street. Both are stocked with different vendors and options.
When to go: We stopped by midday Monday, and found few (or any) other shoppers in the rooms we visited. Starting on the fourth floor, we were often the only ones around, which meant the vendors had time to give us samples to try on, discuss prices, etc. Avoid morning or evening rush hours for the best service, especially if hoping to haggle. Give yourself time, too, to try on plenty of samples and look around. Often, your first stop won't be your best price.
Expected cost: As with nearly anything else, the prices will vary with the quality of the lenses and frames. If you opt for the base models, you'll walk away with the frames, most basic lenses and an eye exam for ¥100-180. However, if you opt for nicer lenses – those with glare-resistant coatings, etc. - or choose frames from name brands, you'll be looking at closer to ¥300-400.
Expected time: Once you have found the frames you like and worked your way to a comfortable price, the eye exam is only another 10 to 15 minutes. They'll have you identify letters, walk the shop with a set of glasses testing the prescription they have selected for you and make sure you don't feel dizzy. From there, it's only another 10 to 30 minutes while they have the lenses placed in the frames. Much to my surprise, I walked away with both sets of glasses I had made 10 minutes after paying.
Tips:
There's little in the way of food or drink near these markets, but if you hop back on the subway at Panjiayuan, you can take the train two stops up to Shuangjing, where a number of good restaurants and bars are located. There is also the Panjiayuan Flea Market nearby, if you're still up for more haggling.
Where to go: Two large glasses marts are located in the Chaoyang District, near the Panjiayuan subway station on Line 10. From the northwest exit, you'll continue north until you see a large building with the outline of glasses along the side of it. A taller building with a matching glasses outline is across the street. Both are stocked with different vendors and options.
When to go: We stopped by midday Monday, and found few (or any) other shoppers in the rooms we visited. Starting on the fourth floor, we were often the only ones around, which meant the vendors had time to give us samples to try on, discuss prices, etc. Avoid morning or evening rush hours for the best service, especially if hoping to haggle. Give yourself time, too, to try on plenty of samples and look around. Often, your first stop won't be your best price.
Expected cost: As with nearly anything else, the prices will vary with the quality of the lenses and frames. If you opt for the base models, you'll walk away with the frames, most basic lenses and an eye exam for ¥100-180. However, if you opt for nicer lenses – those with glare-resistant coatings, etc. - or choose frames from name brands, you'll be looking at closer to ¥300-400.
Expected time: Once you have found the frames you like and worked your way to a comfortable price, the eye exam is only another 10 to 15 minutes. They'll have you identify letters, walk the shop with a set of glasses testing the prescription they have selected for you and make sure you don't feel dizzy. From there, it's only another 10 to 30 minutes while they have the lenses placed in the frames. Much to my surprise, I walked away with both sets of glasses I had made 10 minutes after paying.
Tips:
- I often make the mistake of falling in love with what I find first, and am reluctant to keep looking. This is not the way to approach shopping here. When you find something you like, work with the vendor until you arrive at a price you would both be comfortable with. Then, go to a few other shops and try new pairs on. Ask about prices – for the frames, the lenses, the eye exam – and land on what makes most sense for what you're looking for. In my case, the first shop had a few pairs I loved, but the third was where I found the best prices.
- Don't be afraid to try and haggle. The worst they can say is “No.” But often, they'll set prices higher than they need, almost expecting to be worked down to a different price. Most say that if a Chinese vendor doesn't seem offended by your offer, it's not low enough.
- Be respectful. Don't forget they're holding your glasses in their hands. It's always best to be polite but firm, encouraging them to still give you top-notch service even if the price drops.
There's little in the way of food or drink near these markets, but if you hop back on the subway at Panjiayuan, you can take the train two stops up to Shuangjing, where a number of good restaurants and bars are located. There is also the Panjiayuan Flea Market nearby, if you're still up for more haggling.