Buying the band

Musicians new to the Beijing scene might wonder where they're going to find that new guitar or drumset. Fear not. There is a whole street in Beijing dedicated to music shops.

Guitars: Solo (129 Xinjiekou Nandajie)

has a great selection of instruments, from 5-string Ibanez basses (4,800 yuan, $702) to Takamine acoustics (3,500 yuan). There is an array of small practice amps, as well as a decent collection of effects pedals and accessories.