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Ask a QuestionMost visitors get used to buy something which they travel to each city, in memory of their trip or as souvenirs to give to their families or friends. Each city has its own specialty. Then what are famous local specialties to buy in Beijing? Here TopChinaTravel would offer some useful info about shopping in Beijing.
Scenic spot cultural and creative products (CCPs) are the perfect way to preserve memories of your visit to Beijing’s iconic sites. These products combine the cultural connotations of scenic spots with practical or decorative functions, making them popular among tourists. Representative items include Forbidden City-themed merchandise (such as palace-style stationery, silk scarves printed with imperial patterns, and small figurines of ancient emperors and concubines), Summer Palace landscape-inspired postcards and fans, and Badaling Great Wall-shaped keychains and fridge magnets.
In terms of portability, most CCPs are small and lightweight, such as stationery, keychains, and postcards, which can be easily placed in hand luggage or backpacks without taking up much space. Larger items like silk scarves or fans can be folded neatly for carry-on. For customs considerations, these products are mostly made of non-restricted materials (paper, fabric, resin, etc.), so there are no special declaration requirements when taking them out of China. However, it is recommended to keep the purchase receipts properly, just in case.
Where to Buy: Official gift shops at each scenic spot are the most reliable places, such as the Forbidden City Cultural and Creative Store, the Summer Palace Souvenir Shop, and the Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area Gift Shop. You can also find authorized flagship stores on major e-commerce platforms, but for a more authentic experience, purchasing on-site is recommended.
Cloisonné
Cloisonné is a kind of famous special traditional handicraft of Beijing. The history of it can trace back to the Spring and Autumn Period in ancient China. For the cloisonnés made in Jingtai Era in Ming Dynasty is the most exquisite and cloisonnés is usually in Blue, so get its names as Blue cloisonnés. The decoration is formed by first adding compartments to the metal object by soldering or adhering silver or gold wires or thin strips placed on their edges. The main raw material of production of cloisonne is purple copper or enamel. It has been regarded as national gift to state guests now.
Cloisonné
Where to Buy Cloisonné
• Enamel Factory
Address: 10 Anlelin Road, Chongwen District, Beijing.
How to get: Take Bus 7, 803, 610, and get off at Liulijing Stop, or take Yuntong Bus 202 or Bus 986, and get off at Anlelin Stop.
• Xiushui Street
Address: Xiushui Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
How to get there: visitors can take Metro Line 1 and get off at Yong'anli Stop.
Fresh Water Pearls
Fresh water pearls is another famous specialties as souvenirs and gifts for visitors. The difference between fresh water pearls and sea water pearls is that the former ones are non-nucleated pearls while the latter ones are nucleated. China is the main producer of fresh water pearls, whose productions accounted for 95% of the world. And Freshwater pearl is the best raw materials of pearl powder for the beauty. One can find fresh water pearls in great quality in Beijing. Most peoples like pearls jewelry. If you are interested, you can buy the pearls in Beijing as gifts or souvenirs. Pearls in Beijing are quite cheap.
Fresh Water Pearls
Where to Buy Fresh Water Pearls
Hongqiao Market (Address: Tiantan East Road, Chongwen District, Beijing) is a well-known pearl market in Beijing. Here you can buy cheap pearl. But you should learn to how to bargain here.
Snuff Bottles
Snuff Bottles is more used as a kind of art ware in China, instead of it practical use by the Chinese during the Qing Dynasty to contain powdered tobacco. It is a small container in ancient China to contain snuff, which is a remedy for common illnesses such as headaches, colds, and stomach disorders. It was firstly brought in China from Europe but developed to have its own character with decoration, decoration, materials and size. Snuff Bottles are made out of many different materials including tortoiseshell, jade, ivory, porcelain, wood, ceramic and metal. While the most commonly used material is glass, for it is easily got and cheaper. Snuff Bottles with inside painted is the most interesting ones. The makers make classical Chinese paintings, like bamboos and calligraphy painted on the inside surface of the glass Snuff Bottles.
Snuff Bottles
Where to Buy Snuff Bottles
• Panjiayuan Antique Market
Add: west of Panjiayuan Bridge and south of the East Third Ring Road
How to get: taxi is the most convenient way and you do not have to do the transfer.
• Liulichang Street
Add: South of Hepingmen, Xuanwu District
How to get: take Bus 7, 14, 15, 45, 66 and get off at Liulichang Stop, or take Bus 102, 105, 603, and get off at Hufang Bridge, or take Metro Line 2 and get off at Hepingmen Station.
Beijing-style gourmet foods are a highlight of local souvenirs, allowing you to take the unique flavor of Beijing home. The most famous items include Beijing Roast Duck (vacuum-packed),驴打滚 (Lǘ Dǎ Gǔn, glutinous rice rolls with sweet bean paste),艾窝窝 (ài wō wō, glutinous rice cakes stuffed with sweet fillings), and preserved fruits (such as preserved hawthorns and candied jujubes).
Portability and luggage tips: Vacuum-packed roast duck is the most popular choice for tourists. It is sealed and shelf-stable, but it is recommended to check it in as luggage, especially during long-distance travel, to avoid damage caused by squeezing in hand luggage. For glutinous rice products like Lǘ Dǎ Gǔn and ài wō wō, they are usually packed in small boxes with shockproof padding, which can be carried in hand luggage, but it is necessary to ensure that the packaging is intact to prevent leakage. As for preserved fruits, they are lightweight and sealed, making them easy to carry in backpacks or hand luggage.
Customs considerations: Most vacuum-packed Beijing-style gourmet foods are allowed to be taken abroad, but it is necessary to check the food import regulations of your home country in advance. Some countries have strict restrictions on meat products (including roast duck), so it is recommended to confirm whether they are allowed before purchasing. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the food is within the shelf life and the packaging is not damaged. Keeping the purchase invoice is also advisable for customs inspection.
Where to Buy: Well-known time-honored brands are the best choices, such as Quanjude (for roast duck), Bianyifang (another famous roast duck brand), and Daoxiangcun (for traditional pastries like Lǘ Dǎ Gǔn and ài wō wō). You can find their physical stores in major commercial areas such as Wangfujing and Qianmen.
From on request
From $ 306
From on request
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