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| Beijing, with its long history and sophisticated cultural background, has become a place of historical works. These works are world-renowned, due to their intricate craftsmanship and seemingly unlimited variety. Some of these works are jade articles, carved-lacquer items, wooden articles, cloisonné enamel, antique clocks and watches, embroideries and ceramics. These dazzling works are desired by many, and their creators are envied by multitudes. The following are some of the places - including the biggest indoor curio market in the world, Beijing Curio Town - where such works can be enjoyed. Beijing Baigong Museum is reputed to be China's live arts and crafts museum, as each shop inside is an ideal place to hunt for curios. As the Olympics will soon be held in Beijing, by visiting curio shops, one can, with travelers from abroad, discuss the different techniques used to authenticate and appreciate curios, which can lead to person-to-person cultural exchanges.  Beijing Curio TownBeijing Curio Town is the world's biggest indoor curio market. On the first floor are shops that mainly sell crafts - including Beijing's cloisonné enamel, Yixing's Zisha, Jingdezhen ceramics, Fujian's Shoushanshi and engraved antique furniture, which many people can't stop thinking about. On the second and third floors are shops that mainly sell curios. The owners are mostly interested in selling curio ceramics, antique clocks and watches, articles of precious metals, antique carpets, embroideries, statues of Buddha, and the four treasures of the study - the writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper. Curios and crafts from across China are available; therefore, one is sure to find his/her favorite, and most-desired, item. - Address: Chaoyang District, Dongsanhuan, 21 South Road - Directions: Take bus 28, 300, 352, 378, 757, 830 or 986 and get off at Shilihe Station Handicraft MuseumHandicraft Museum, supported by Beijing's municipal government, is tasked with cultural communications, collection verification and cultural art design, production, development and promotion. The museum is known as the "live, mobile museum," and its collections are of great authority, in terms of art design; authenticity, in skilled production; and reliability, in techniques. On the third floor is Fine Art & Textile Company, which is heaven for people seeking high-class gifts or items for their personal collections. The museum has been highly praised by numerous visitors, from home and abroad, including overseas tourists and high-profile government officials, who have been attracted by the large collection of valuable items. - Address: Chongwen District (on the road north of Longtanhu) - Directions: Take bus 8, 37, 41, 352, 607, 750 or 958 and get off at Guanminglou Station LiulichangLiulichang is a famous "culture street" in Beijing; it dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Back then, people from across China visited Beijing to participate in the imperial examinations, and this was the area at which the successful candidates congregated. That is why the area has more stores selling books, pens, ink and paper than elsewhere in the city. As a result, there is a strong cultural atmosphere in the area. Many tourists frequent the area to buy curios. The following are some of the famous, and highly recommended. - Address: Xuanwu District (outside Hepingmen) - Directions: Take bus 7, 14 or 15 and get off at Liulichang Station • Rongbaozhai: Four treasures of the Study-the writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper curio printing • Guji Bookstore: Antique books • Lehaixuan: Chinese musical instruments • Qinyuntang: Tablet record prints, from various dynasties • Cuizhenzhai: Chinese stamps; metallic articles; ceramics • Jiguge: Bronze articles; ceramics • Hongbaotang: Four treasures of the study-the writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper curio painting Liangmaqiao Collector's MarketLiangmaqiao Collector's Market has been open for more than 10 years. The market is approximately 5,000 square meters, it's well situated for transportation and parking. The market specializes in collectible ceramics, jade articles, clocks and watches, cameras, calligraphies, carpets, and pieces of furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The collectibles have been obtained from private collectors and civilians. Liangmaqiao is a well-known market - in China and overseas - for antique crafts. - Address: Chaoyang District, 27 Liangmaqiao Road - Directions: Take bus 413, 418, 419, 710, 757, 857 or 909 and get off at Anjialou Station Panjiayuan Secondhand MarketPanjiayuan Secondhand Market has been named China's largest secondhand market by the media. Panjiayuan is approximately 48,500 square meters. It's divided into four main areas: Crafts, antiques, secondhand furniture and antique calligraphies and periodicals. There are approximately 3,000 booths. Panjiayuan Secondhand Market has become one of the main destinations for domestic tourists during their visits to Beijing. - Address: Chaoyang District, Dongsanhuan, Panjiayuan, 18 Huaweili - Directions: Take bus 28, 300, 368, 607, 730, 810 or 907 and get off at Panjiayuan Station Zhaojia Chaowai Traditional Furniture MarketOn the first floor of Zhaojia Chaowai Traditional Furniture Market are many pieces of traditional furniture, of the same color. Also, there are many different types of traditional furniture and distinctive crafts. These works are so attractive to the senses that one might not want to leave. The market specializes in traditional furniture, which can be found primarily on the first and third floors. On the fourth floor are curios, ceramics, clocks and watches, and similar other items. The curio collection is virtually complete. It's another must-visit during one's expedition in Beijing. - Address: Chaoyang District, Huaweibeili, Building 43 - Directions: Take bus 35, 37, 300, 801, 802, 830 or 907 and get off at Jingsong Dongkou Station Gaobeidian Traditional Furniture StreetGaobeidian Traditional Furniture Street is located at the head of a canal; it's a street full of vigor and opportunity, and the charm of Chinese culture can be felt everywhere. In the interest of business expansion, Gaobeidian Traditional Furniture has spearheaded, and intensified, the spread of Chinese folk-custom knowledge, to strengthen its brand. "Climb the Great Wall, eat roast duck, go to Gaobeidian" has become the trend of foreigners traveling in Beijing. - Address: Chaoyang District, Gaobeidian - Directions: By car, take the Jingtong Expressway to the Gaobeidian exit, then turn right at the first traffic light and continue to the destination Hongqiao MarketHongqiao Market is situated to the east of Tiantan Garden. Its history and culture are both extensive. On the third floor is a curio market; although its curio market is not as widely recognized as Panjiayuan's, virtually everything is available. The market has curio calligraphies, civilian secondhand goods, the four treasures of the study and crafts. The most popular goods are pearl necklaces and crafts. - Address: Chongwen District, Tiantan East Road - Directions: Take bus 39, 43, 60, 116, 610 or 812 and get off at Fahuasi Station Baoguosi Culture MarketBaoguosi Culture Market was built in 1997. Even though it was constructed in recent times, it did not take long to build its reputation. It now has antique books, calligraphies, coins and curios. The market's operations have taken shape, and the complex is performing exceptionally well. The year-round exhibits are composed of a 'world coin and stamp museum," "Chinese stamp museum," and "Chinese coin museum." - Address: Xuanwu District (north of Guanganmennei Street) - Directions: Take bus 42, 57, 410, 617 or 620 and get off at Guanganmen Station • Tips • Curios are precious and aged articles; this is the reason for the high prices. So, before purchasing an item, make sure it is not fake. |
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Beijing Curio Expedition Guide
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