Beijing Shopping Tips by ntm2322

Jing3 tai4 lan2 (cloisonné), inherently Beijing Cloisonne Review

Talking about local arts and crafts, the most important in Beijing are:

- Cloisonné (jing3 tai4 lan2)

- Ivory carvings

- Carved lacquer ware and

- Jade

A little bit of History

Cloisonné originated in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368).

The emperor of the 'Jingtai' period during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) was very fond of the bronze-casting techniques and improved the color process, creating the bright blue (lan2), then the “jing3 tai4 lan2” (jing3 tai4 blue) cloisonné products became popular among the people.

To make a cloisonné piece, copper is molded into the shape of the finished piece and then intricate engravings are made with a copper wire. The piece is also fired and polished.

Five sophisticated processes:

1) Model hammering

2) Filigree welding

3) Enamel filling

4) Surface polishing

5) Gilding

For a better understanding, please, take a look at the following website

Jing3 tai4 lan2 can be found on large objects such as vases and other decorative items like jars, as well as small items like earrings, bracelets or chopsticks.

Where can I buy Beijing cloisonné?

You can find cloisonné everywhere, from the smallest tourist shops to the largest shopping mall. Prices in the largest malls are fixed, you will have no chance at all to bargain.

In order to save time and be sure not to buy fake items (keep in mind this is a huge industry in China and already a common practice) go to Huairou Cloisonné Factory situated close to the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Besides, you can also watch all the stages of the manufacturing process to see how the exquisite cloisonné pieces are produced.

Special tip: go early morning to the Mutianyu Great Wall (much more interesting than the Badaling Great Wall), enjoy the nature (you can even slide down from the top) and then head to the Huairou Cloisonné Factory.

Enjoy your time in Beijing!

Theme: Local Craft

A multicultural ethnicity market Panjiayuan Market Review

Panjiayuan Market, in Chinese is pan1 jia1 yuan2 jiu4 huo4 shi4 chang3.

The Beijing Panjiayuan Folk Culture Market (or the Panjiayuan Antiques Market) is a very popular and colorful market and opens everyday (the best days are Saturdays and Sundays).

It covers an area of 4.85 hectares and is situated in No. 200 West of Panjiayuan Bridge and south of the East Third Ring Road (between Panjiayuan Bridge and Huawei Bridge), in the Chaoyang district.

If you especially like antiques and collectibles and also arts and crafts, this is the right place to go. I can assure you won’t get bored as there are about 3,000 stalls to visit. This market is not only the China's biggest collecting and distributing center of art and craft articles but also the largest of Asia. Its merchandises are known for being the cheapest of its kind in Beijing as well.

What makes this market so interesting?

Anything unimaginable you can imagine you will be able to find here.
What makes it really interesting is the (Chinese) traditional cultural aspect. In the ethnic section you will see nice items ‘imported’ from almost all parts of China since most of the stallholders are people who come from their villages, towns, ethnic minorities to sell their goods in this market.

Should I bargain?
You must bargain down the offered price.

What to pay: From a few bucks to several hundreds, it has a lot to do with your bargaining skills.

Directions: No. 200 West of Panjiayuan Bridge and south of the East Third Ring Road (between Panjiayuan Bridge and Huawei Bridge), in the Chaoyang district

Phone: 6775 2405

Theme: Antiques

Nu2 ren2 jie1 (Lady Street): Ladies only! Lai Tai - Lady Street Review

The Ladie’s Street (nu3 ren2 jie1) is located near the Lufthansa business district.

In here there are hundreds of stalls selling all fashions of women's clothes, shoes and jewelry. And a lot of stuff from Hong Kong and South Korea as well. If you want, you (lady/miss) can even get manicures and pedicures as well as massage and other beauty treatments.

You can also take your friends with you since there are plenty of cafes “in the streets of the street” to enjoy a Chinese style lunch (Sichuan, Canton, Hunan, Hangzhou, Xinjiang,etc.). There are also teahouses and Japanese and Korean restaurants. And you can even buy some flowers in the adjacent flowers market.

Don't worry, shopping information is broadcast in Chinese and English, alternating with "ladies music".

What else could you ask for?

What to buy: Woman's stuff.

What to pay: If your bargaining skills are good, only a few hundred.

Directions: Near the Lufthansa business district.

Theme: Women's Clothes