Wandering in Beijing's eight antiques markets
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As a world renowned historical and cultural city, China's capital of Beijing has inherited many rich cultural resources. Among its thousands of years of history, numerous cultural relics in the city have witnessed the transformation of the Chinese culture and tradition. It is therefore no wonder that antiques markets in Beijing enjoy such great popularity.
Since 1949, the cultural relics markets remain much like what they were in the old days. The markets are concentrated around Liulichang, Longfusi and old Dong'an markets. Until the 1980s, self-owned businesses started to flourish across the ancient capital in terms of size and number of the shops.
1. Beijing Antiques City
It is the largest antiques exchanging center in Asia with more than 600 outlets specializing in relics, old style furniture,old clocks, carpets, porcilines, celebrity handwriting and paintings, jade and ivory sculpture, etc.
Address: No.21 East 3rd ring south road, Chaoyang District, west of Huawei Bridge.
Opening hours: 9:30-18:30
2. Panjiayuan Antiques Market
Located in the southwest of the 3rd east road, Panjiayuan market was formed in 1992 and is now the most famous exchange market for antiques and second hand products in China. Because of its wide range of commodities, it has attracted many people from a wide range of different backgrounds and has become an important part of the intangible heritage in China.
Aside from cultural relics, Panjiayuan also is also known as the largest market for folk art. Folk works from various regions of China can all be found here, such as embroidery of Jiangsu, stone sculpture of Quyang, shadow play of Shandong, porcelain and crystal of Jiangxi, bronze ware of Shaanxi, Buddhism products of Tibet, jade of Xinjiang, to name just a few.
Address: No 18 Huaweili, Chaoyang District
Opening hours: 8:30-16:30
3. Tianya Antiques Store
Situated in the shopping circle of Panjiayuan antique market, Tianya Antiques Store was selected as one of the ten most distinguished commodity markets during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Specializing in high-end antiques, Tianya boasts a strong cultural ambience.
Address: No.6 Huawei South Road, Panjiayuan, east 3rd ring road, southwest of Huawei Bridge.
4. Liulichang Cultural Street
Located in central Hepingmen, Liulichang Street is a world famous traditional cultural market. Originated in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), there used to be a place for exchanging books, writing brushes, ink sticks, paper and ink stones, before gradually turning into a market for traditional cultural products.
Nowadays, people can also easily buy antiques and calligraphy, paintings, etc, in the nearly 100 outlets along the street. Rong Baozhai and Bao Guzhai boast calligraphy and paintings, Yun Guzhai and Cui Zhenzhai boast gold, jade and porcelain, while Lai Xunge and Yi Dege boast writing brushes and ink sticks.
Address: south of Hepingmen, Xuanwu District.
5. Baoguo Temple Cultural Market
Situated in Beijing's south Baoguo Temple in Xuanwu District, Baoguo Temple Market is a popular destination among common citizens since it was established in 1997.
A series of exhibition halls are open to the public here all year round, such as 'World Currency Stamp Exhibition Hall', 'China Stamp Exhibition Hall', and 'China Currency Exhibition Hall'. Baoguo Temple Market has now developed into a multi-functional exchange center for publication, auction, exhibition and communication.
Address: Baoguo Temple, Guang'an Men, Xuanwu District.
6. Haiwang Village Antiques Market
Sitting at the Liulichang east street, Haiwang Village market was formed in Liao and Jin period (918-1234), and flourished in late Qing dynasty and is the earliest antiques market in Beijing.
Address: No. 115 Liulichang East Street, Xuanwu District.
7. Hong Qiao Antiques Market
Situated besides Temple of Heaven, Hong Qiao Antiques Market has a superb location with facilitated transportation. Besides antiques, calligraphy and paintings, folk arts and porcelain, tourist souvenirs, bonsai and flowers can also be found here.
Address: No. 52 Temple of Heaven East road, Chongwen District.
8. Lugou Bridge Antique Market
Although smaller than Panjiayuan, Liulichang or Beijing Antiques City, the Lugou Bridge Antique Market is still well worth checking out. When you are tired of wandering around large market, you probably will spot something precious and special here.
Address: Lugou Bridge, Fengtai District
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