Yuan Long Silk Store, Beijing

Due to business I go to Beijing regularily. At previous occasions I had bought several times at the Yuan Long Silk Store (always found the quality to be great) but this time (yesterday Jan 29th 2010) I found the place closed. There were just a few employees there about to carry away the store furniture; they told be that "probably" it would be re-opened in "a few months time" - so before you go, check via phone.

I have bought silk from Yuan Long for a few years now, and I have yet to find a rival to its quality, service and ambience. In most Chinese markets, where you can buy the inferior silk, you are harrassed and driven mad by the hard sell tactics of the assistants. YuanLong silk Corporation is government controlled and you can see the process from the silk worms to the weaving of the silk and the making of the fabulous silk duvets, sheets and duvet cover sets. Different grades of silk give a wide price range, from the exquisite heavy grade silk to the more economical types. The designs range from plain to opulent and flowery! I bought one for my father around 2 years ago, and he decided he didn't like the colour. 2 Years later, without a receipt, after inspecting it to make sure it was unused they changed it for a different colour, no questions asked! Where have you EVER had service like that? My ONLY bug-bear with it, is that in the clothing department, the assistants tend to follow you round the store, until you tell them to refrain! If you want the real thing, choice and great service then this should be your first stop for silk! My top tip....invest in a silk duvet, they are the best!