Address: Intersection of Nanxinhua Jie and Liulichang Jie, Xuanwu District
Picturesque street renovated in the 1980s to give it that old China look, but still fun to browse for antiques and art supplies.
Gaobeidian Antique Furniture Village 高碑店古典家具街
Address: 551 Gaobeidian Village, Gaobeidian exit off the Jingtong expressway from Dongsihuan Lu, Chaoyang (24 miles east of Tiananmen Square) Phone: 10-8576-1701 Hours: 8:30am-6pm daily Transportation: Subway Line 1 at Sihui, then walk east for 500m Website: www.gaobeidian.com.cn/english/about.htm
For reproduction Ming and the odd genuine piece of Qing Dynasty furniture, Gaobeidian is the place. A handful of dusty, broad streets are lined with showrooms stuffed with tables, chests, opium beds, cabinets, chairs and even drums, Prices can be bargained down a decent amount.
Address: East of Yinding Qiao (Silver Ingot Bridge), off the west side of Dianmen wai dajie and south of the Drum Tower, Dongcheng District
This alleyway sells everthing from reproductions of Cultural Revolution posters to delicate China tea sets. You can also buy some "for me" gifts at the cool clothing and staionery stores nearby.
Catering to the increasing number of backpackers and locals drawn to this trendy hutong - Nanluoguxing, this brightly lit and friendly shop fills the need for smart and sassy souvenirs that aren't like the same old ones you see everywhere. It offers quirky T-shirts, retro notebooks, prints of works form Chinese contemporary artists, and beaded jewelry that might be a little too much on the hippie side for some.
Bannerman Tang's Toys and Crafts 北京盛唐轩传统民间玩具
Address: 38 Guozijian, Dongcheng District (near Lama Temple) 东城区国子监38号 Phone: 010-8404-7179 Transportation: Subway Line 2 at Yonghegong or Andingmen Website(Chinese only): www.rbtys.com
This store, run by fifth-generation toy-maker, is stocked with a delightful collection of figurines, paper lanters, and other childish delights made from wood, clay, paper, and cloth.
If the sky-high prices at Dashanzi aren't for you, but you crave a piece of hot contemporary Chinese art, this funky shop brings art to the masses. The small store tucked opposite At Cafe is a treasure trove of gift cards, T-shirts, mugs and cotton bags, all emblazoned with the work of the most famous artists in the country, Zhang Xiaogang's haunting grey family portraits and Yue Minjun's broad smiley faces lend the products a striking quality, while Liu Ye's composed Chinese women make for a stylish pack of greetings cards.