| Liulichang Market
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sites in Beijing | Beijing, China |
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Liulichang is a bustling commercial district southwest of Tiananmen square that caters mainly to foreign tourists. It sells everything from the kitsch to the truly collectable. If you're looking for souvenirs this is definitely the place to go, since there are many stores within walking distance of each other and an enormous variety of goods. Plus, all the stores take credit!
From personal experience, it is very easy to get ripped-off here. Many of the items in one store will be available at half the price across the street at another market. Never buy anything without doing some price checking beforehand. Also, the merchants expect you to bargain. Usually one can cut 2/3 off the quoted price, especially if you've already bought several items from that particular merchant.
Many of the same items can be found at each kiosk. The most common are:
Name chops: These are the Chinese character name seals that everyone uses
for official transactions. They make excellent souvenirs, and they are
very cheap. Tourists can have their names translated and carved onto
a name chop in less than half an hour.
Scroll paintings: All varieties and prices but it is very difficult to tell genuine from
forged. Plus, export of paintings made before the year 1796 is illegal.
Antiques: Like scroll paintings, antiques made before 1796 cannot be exported,
and are supposed to be marked as such with a red seal. There are,
however, many early twentieth century antiques for sale at reasonable
prices. If you're ecologically insensitive and ready to spend over 1000
yuan it is very easy to obtain intricately carved ivory snuff bottles made
in decadent 19th century china. There are also metal opium pipes,
old coins (easy to forge), military paraphernalia, swords, and Buddhist
items from Tibet, to name a few.
The Revolution: Mao's revolution of 1949 has left a legacy of artifacts, propaganda
posters, army materiel, and Little Red Books for sale at low prices.
My favorite item that I brought back from Liulichang is an alarm clock
from the cultural revolution that I use everyday. It rings louder than
anything made in the West!
Jade: Genuine jade is extremely expensive, even after bargaining. If you
think you're getting a good deal you're probably being tricked with
soapstone, which looks like jade but is much softer and less durable.
Tea: Liulichang has many dedicated tea shops, all of which are located in
the eastern half of the district.
Silk: Raw and processed silk is also available in the eastern half of the district.