What To Buy In Beijing, China

1. Porcelain

China is renowned for its stunning range of antique and modern porcelain kitchenware and household items. One of the best places to track down these items is none other than the Panjiayuan Antique Market that’s brimming with interesting stalls. Here, you can interact with dealers, learn about their wares, and track down any antiques or bargains. A contemporary Chinese blue and white teacup can set you back about 172 Yuan (25 USD), while antiques can cost thousands of dollars depending on their rarity.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Address: No.18 Huawei Li, Panjiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China

Opening hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Price: 172 Yuan (25 USD)

2. Cloisonne

Nothing makes a statement in living spaces or even the office like a beautifully decorated Cloisonne vase. Many feature colorful and eye-catching patterns, depictions of birds, dragons, fish, flowers, and mythical figures usually painted in enamel. There are several markets and stores that sell Cloisonne vases in Beijing, but many tourists love purchasing their urns from the Huairou Cloisonne Factory Gift Shop. Depending on the size and intricacy of the paintwork, expect to pay anything from 6,880 Yuan (1,000 USD) to 68,800 Yuan (10,000 USD) for a vase.

Huairou Cloisonne Factory Gift Shop

Address: Huairou, Beijing, China

Price: 6,880 Yuan (1,000 USD) - 68,000 Yuan (10,000 USD)

3. Antiques

The go-to place for Chinese antiques is the vibrant Panjiayuan Antique Market. It features a bevy of stalls with helpful and knowledgeable dealers that specialize in specific antique items. Whether you’re looking for antique Chinese accessories, amulets, baskets, bowls, chairs, chests, clothing, cups, decorative scrolls, incense burners, masks, pendants, teapots, textiles statues, vases, and weaponry, you’re bound to find them at this market. Expect to pay around 68 Yuan (10 USD) for a Dragon Phoenix amulet, and up to 6,200 Yuan (900 USD) for an 18th-century porcelain teapot.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Address: No.18 Huawei Li, Panjiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China

Hours: 08:30 - 18:00

Price: 68 Yuan (10 USD) - 6,200 Yuan (900 USD)

4. Silk

Chinese silk and textiles are much sought after for their elegance, quality, and striking designs. There are many great textile stores in Beijing, but one of the most prestigious establishments is the Ruifu Xiang Silk Fabric Store that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It features two floors stocking a massive range of cotton, linen, and silk textiles, and tailors on-site for custom orders. Expect to pay between a 55 Yuan (8 USD) to 275 Yuan (40 USD) per meter (3.28 feet) of silk fabric; price varies according to printed design and quality.

Ruifu Xiang Silk Fabric Store

Address: No.190 Wangfujing Main Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China

Price: 55 Yuan (8 USD) - 275 Yuan (40 USD) per meter (3.28 feet)

5. Jade

Chinese Jade carvings and jewelry make for excellent gifts, and Beijing has a ton of places where you can purchase these items. You should stop by the Panjiayuan Antique Market first, as this is where you’ll likely find the widest range and best deals on jade. Alternatively, head over to the Beijing Jade Article Factory Sale Hall, which features an attractive and spacious showroom, knowledgeable staff, and masterfully crafted jade jewelry and statues but at premium prices. Depending on where you’ll be purchasing your jade, expect to pay between 68 Yuan (10 USD) for a simple pendant through to 6,880 Yuan (1,000 USD) for a carved statue.

Beijing Jade Article Factory Sale Hall

Address: 13 Guangming Rd, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing, China

Price: 68 Yuan (10 USD) - 6,880 Yuan (1,000 USD)

6. Lacquerware

Chinese lacquerware, particularly carved lacquerware makes for the perfect gift, especially during the festive season and New Year. There’s a wide variety of lacquerware items, some serve as decorative and Feng Shui items for the living room, while others feature cute mascot characters from ancient Chinese mythology. Your best bet for tracking down these items is the Panjiayuan Antique Market, but if you’re an online shopper then try out Aliexpress. Expect to pay between 24 Yuan (3.50 USD) to 179 Yuan (26 USD) depending on the type and size of lacquerware.

AliExpress

Website: AliExpress

Price: 24 Yuan (3.50 USD) - 179 Yuan (26 USD)

7. Chinese Tea

Zhang One-Yuan has been in the tea business for over a century and remains one of the premium stores of its kind in Beijing. It’s a contemporary and well-lit store and stocks a wide range of tea brands from the Chinese mainland. The establishment’s staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and will help you choose the right kind of Chinese green tea or tea set. Expect to pay 55 Yuan (8 USD) for a pack of 100 bags of organic green tea.

Zhang One-Yuan

Address: Xicheng, Beijing, China

Website: Zhang One-Yuan

Price: 55 Yuan (8 USD)

8. Painting and Calligraphy

Once again, if you’re on the lookout for unique artworks such as paintings and calligraphy, then Panjiayuan Antique Market is the first place you should visit. There’s no shortage of stalls competing for your business, and willing to offer you great deals on art, calligraphy, and even calligraphy brushes. If you come across an antique painting and would like to know if it’s legitimate, and its true value, then consult with the Peking University that offers an appraisal service on-site. Typically, the price of Chinese scroll paintings and calligraphy starts from as little as 35 Yuan (5 USD) through to 2,400 Yuan (350 USD) depending on historic value and rarity.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Address: No.18 Huawei Li, Panjiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China

Hours: 08:30 - 18:00

Price: 35 Yuan (5 USD) - 2,400 Yuan (350 USD)

9. Chinese Traditional Medicines

China is world-renowned for its excellent traditional medicines, which often rival their occidental counterparts. Tong Ren Tang is one of China’s largest pharmaceutical companies and founded back in 1669. The company has faced many challenges over the centuries, but today has modern facilities to showcase and sell their herbal medicines. They also offer acupuncture, massages, reflexology, T'ai chi, and Qigong at their medical centers. Expect to pay about 62 Yuan (9 USD) for 100 grams of Reishi Spore tea powder, 138 Yuan (20 USD) for 60 grams of women’s supplements, and 330 Yuan (48 USD) for a large pack of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Herb-Rehmannia.

Tong Ren Tang

Address: Tong Ren Tang Medical Center, Xianyukou, Beijing, China

Website: Tong Ren Tang

Price: 62 Yuan (9 USD) - 330 Yuan (48 USD)

10. Pearls

Pearls, particularly freshwater pearls are one of China’s many sought-after products. Women love pearls since they make for elegant jewelry and statement pieces. If you’re traveling with that special someone or looking for the perfect gift for someone back home, then you can’t go wrong with pearls. When you’re in Beijing, then head over to the Hongqiao Pearl Market that’s home to many dealers selling pearls, but also other products such as bags, clothing, and electronics. Take time to view the pearls, and don’t be shy to ask for discounts. Expect to pay about 76 Yuan (11 USD) for 20 beads of freshwater pearls.

Hongqiao Pearl Market

Address: 9 Tiantan Rd, Beijing, China

Website: Hongqiao Pearl Market

Price: 76 Yuan (11 USD)

Many shopping options and great bargains

Beijing features excellent markets such as the Panjiayuan Antique Market and the Hongqiao Pearl Market. Here, you’ll find a wide range of Chinese antiques and freshwater pearls at prices you can afford. Be prepared to bargain with dealers, and avoid those that sell goods of questionable authenticity and quality. Don’t forget to pick up a pack of delicious green tea from Zhang One-Yuan, and herbal medicine from Tong Ren Tang’s medical center.