Your China & Yunnan Travel Experts
Ask a QuestionLocation: South of Hepingmen
What to buy: ancient books, calligraphy, paintings, rubbings, ink stones and ink, and many other traditional Chinese curios
If antiques or Chinese cultural commodities are your interest, you will likely find it on Liulichang Street, known throughout China and the world for its ancient books, calligraphy, paintings, rubbings, ink stones and ink, and many other traditional Chinese curios and is now the best place to find these items in Beijing. The street is only 750 meters long. Located in the southwestern part of the city, Liulichang still bears the appearance of a Qing Dynasty market street; in the 1980s, the street was renovated and several specialized shops were rebuilt. With brightly painted doors and eaves and gracefully curved black-tile-roofs, it retains a little of the style of old Beijing.
Liulichang Street
Liulichang derives its name from the Chinese for "Colored Glaze Factory". According to local stories, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties it was much like bohemian haunts in modern cities, where visiting scholars, painters and calligraphers liked to congregate to engage in poetry, painting and writing, with book-sellers and shops selling the four treasures of the ancient scholar (paper, ink brushes, ink stones and ink stamps, also known as chops) opening shops to serve this market. Sellers of antiques, paintings and calligraphy also opened shops within the street so that by the reign of the Qing emperor Kangxi the area had grown into a flourishing cultural centre.
The China Bookstore, Rongbaozhai, and Jiguge are the most famous antique stores in Liulichang. The China Bookstore enjoys a reputation of being the place in Beijing to find second-hand foreign language books. If you enjoy browsing for your purchases, you are in the right place here. Literature, psychology, engineering, history, cookbooks in any language will be found cohabiting the same shelf. There are some rare books among the selection, but you'll need to know what you want and be patient in your search to walk out with a real bargain.
Those who love antiques or arts and crafts will find it an ideal place to shop, and those who are not planning on spending money may also find it worth going to have a look at the street itself.
Along the street, peddlers hawk snacks, groceries, toys, copper coins; all kind of small commodities. Merchants race to their doors with a welcoming "Ni hao, Ni hao." for all their customers, but they particularly strive to attract any foreigners' attention.
Some offer free seal-carving services and they can even find a perfect Chinese name for you if you like.
For the visitor interested in traditional Chinese art or the four treasures of the ancient scholar, Liulichang Culture Street is an absolute must-see!
Four Treasures of the Study (Brush, Ink, Paper, Inkstone)
Daiyuexuan's （戴月轩）Huzhou brushes are suitable for calligraphy and painting enthusiasts; family-run brush-making workshops such as Yihong Brush Studio（怡弘笔庄） and Wu Yunhui Brush Studio（吴云辉笔庄） offer affordable prices and high quality, which are suitable for beginners. Yidege's（一得阁） ink is a classic choice, and its ink-making technique is a national-level intangible cultural heritage. In addition, you can also try Yidege's ink cakes and ink pads. Shops such as Rongbaozhai（荣宝斋） and Qingmige（清秘阁） provide various calligraphy and painting papers, such as rice paper and silk paper, which can be selected according to your needs.
Cultural & Creative Products (Great Souvenirs)
Besides traditional art supplies, many time-honored brands on Liulichang Street now offer cultural and creative products that are easier to carry and perfect as souvenirs. Shops like Rongbaozhai, the China Bookstore, and Daiyuexuan sell creative items inspired by traditional culture, such as notebooks, bookmarks, desk ornaments, calligraphy-themed fridge magnets, woodblock-print bookmarks, and tea or zisha pottery gift sets. These items combine traditional aesthetics with modern design and are popular with foreign visitors.
On Liulichang East Street, smaller shops sell classic Beijing folk crafts, including Tu’er Ye (clay rabbit figurines), wool monkey dolls, and paper-cut artworks. These colorful handmade items reflect local folk culture and are charming keepsakes from Beijing.
Attention to Price and Quality
Prices at Liulichang vary widely, ranging from inexpensive stationery and souvenirs to high-end collectibles and artworks. It is recommended to compare prices and quality between different shops before making a purchase. For antiques, paintings, and calligraphy pieces, having some basic background knowledge is helpful. If you are seriously interested in collecting, joining a professional guided tour or visiting with an expert can greatly improve your understanding and overall experience.
1. Start at Liulichang East Street – China Bookstore
Begin your visit at the eastern entrance. The China Bookstore is the largest and most famous old bookshop in Beijing. Inside, you will find ancient books, classical texts, calligraphy rubbings, stone inscriptions, and rare printed editions. Even if you don’t plan to buy, it’s worth visiting just to see the impressive collection.
2. Walk Along East Street – Jiguge & Four Treasures Shops
Continue walking west along the street and stop by Jiguge, a historic shop with a strong scholarly atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll find many stores selling the “Four Treasures of the Study”: brushes, ink, paper, and ink stones. Well-known shops such as Yidege (famous for traditional Chinese ink) and Daiyuexuan (known for Huzhou-style brushes) allow visitors to watch traditional craftsmanship and learn how these tools are made.
3. Cross the Pedestrian Bridge
As you cross the pedestrian bridge connecting the east and west sections, look up to see the “Liulichang” plaque written by a late Qing Dynasty calligrapher. This spot offers a nice contrast between old Beijing culture and the modern city around it.
4. West Street Highlight – Rongbaozhai
Arriving at West Street, the most important stop is Rongbaozhai, the most iconic store on Liulichang. It is famous for traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and woodblock watermark prints. You can visit the gallery, printing studio, and exhibition spaces to see high-quality artworks.
5. Explore More Antique Shops
Continue walking along West Street to explore other well-known shops such as Huaiyin Shanfang, Rugu Zhai, and Guyi Zhai. These stores specialize in antique paintings, calligraphy, seals, and traditional art pieces.
Because the street is located in central Beijing, it can be easily combined with visits to nearby attractions such as Qianmen Street, Dashilan, or the Temple of Heaven.
From on request
From $ 306
From on request
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