The absolute latest in China’s gay community is called a “murse.” Usually, a huge Coach purse with fits definite requirements. It has to be large, the bigger the better- shiny and decorated and definitely a brand name. It’s an epidemic in the Shanghai community and right now, if you carry a murse, you’re shouting out… “I’m gay”!… But what’s going to happen when this catches on with metrosexuals (you know it will) and every man carries a murse? I’m confident the forward thinking gay fashionistas of Shanghai will come up with something else.

There are also a few gay places for partying that had the greatest descriptions. Frangipani serves Fruit in a Suit, and the Red Station had a girls night out geared toward non-breeders of the female variety. What a way with words…

In the meantime, gay or not, here a few of my favorite Beiing and Shanghai shopping and sights. Stay away from the big names, Gucci, etc., no cheaper than back at home but do visit the great sights, The Great Wall, etc., crowded or not. There is a reason they are great…
If you are searching for unique clothing items that don’t cost an arm and/or leg, go to:

- The Pearl Market and Sanlitun, Beijing; Fenshine Fashion & Accessories Plaza, Shanghai; any one of the hundreds of boutiques along Nancheng, Huai Hai, Ruijin and Taikang Roads, all in Shanghai, as well as the little streets running off these. Uber fashionable and extremely inexpensive.

chic Shanghai locals

looking down on the Panjiayuan Market
Favorite Beijing sights:

- The Forbidden City; strolling through Tiananmen Square; The Summer Palace; walking the Hutongs (a typical ancient alley or lane) around Beihai Park – take the hokey rickshaw if you want, but it’s more fun walking;

Sheila in her rickshaw, Beijing, China 

relaxing in a Beijing Hutong, China
…and The Great Wall. I don’t care how crowded The Great Wall is, or what sections you visit, see it! Go early in the morning and the colder it is, the less crowds there are.

on The Great Wall of China 

Great wall crowds and vistas in China
Favorite Shanghai sights:

- Spending a few hours on “The Bund” popping in and our of the 1920 Bank of China to look at the ceiling, Peace Hotel (currently being renovated), walk along the River and take the underwater tunnel over to Pudong on the other side; Shanghai Art Museum; Xintiandi; watching the locals sitting around and exercising in the different parks;

hanging out together in Shanghai, China 

aerobics in the park, Shanghai, China
,,,the French Concession; and the Shanghai Art Museum with its changing contemporary art exhibits.
Experience ever-changing China and discover your own favorite things to see and do….