Luxury Launches: Beijing's New Gold Vending Machine

Last May, the world gaped over the ATM-style gold vending machine installed at the Emirates Palace, one of the world's costliest hotels to build (at $3 billion). Called "Gold to Go," the machine dispenses customized coins or small bars up to 10 grams. Now we're getting word that China has followed suit, opening a gold vending machine in a busy shopping district in Beijing. We can't say we're surprised. A recent article in The Independent (UK), titled "Shanghai's Young High Rollers Splurge on Luxury," calls attention to the growing market for luxury goods in China, and millionaires keen to hedge their bets against inflation may cash in on gold. All we can say: look out for pickpockets.

Image via The Straits Times