I started collecting when I was in primary school, with old items such as Mao badges and belts, and items from the Red Army and Eighth Route Army. Now I collect military goods from all over the world. I came to Beijing from Shaanxi province in 1995 with my collection of military memorabilia. When I arrived, I had precisely 7RMB in my pocket. I now have my own store in Baoguo Temple Culture Market, where I sell everything from military boots, binoculars and belts to metal helmets and tank parts.

"I collect from everywhere. Panjiayuan market is good for browsing; you never know what you’ll come across. I also source a lot of my stuff from Xijiao Wei Wei Market. Old friends who used to work for the embassies bring items back from abroad, and people in military residences sell me things that have been passed down to them."

It’s important to know your stuff. Do some research on the internet about what you want to buy before you browse – and check what you buy afterwards too. Don’t be disheartened if you discover you’ve bought something fake. After all, its all a part of the learning process.

Where to buy:

Li Chang Dong’s stall

English address：Baoguo Temple Culture Market, Baoguo Temple, 189 Inner Guanganmen Street, Xicheng district

Chinese address: 西城区广安门内大街189号报国寺文化市场

Open : Every Thursday 7am-5pm; other day by appointment. Mandarin only.

Mobile 135 2224 9304

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Open: 8.30 am-6pm Mon-Fri; 4.30am-6pm Sat, Sun

Telephone 6775 2405

English address：West of Panjiayuan Qiao, Chaoyang district

Chinese address:朝阳区潘家园桥西边

Yanzhongwai Second World War Memorabilia Exchange

Open : Appointment only. Mandarin only.

Mobile 132 6000 9984

English address：No 25 North Section Middle Row, Xijiao Weiwei Market, Lianhuachi Xilu, Haidian district

Chinese address: 海淀区莲花池西路25号