In times gone past, tattoos were considered to be the preserve of criminals in Asia and only ‘bad’ people had them. These days –most likely due to exposure to western media and an increasing popularity with Chinese stars- tattoos are becoming more and more popular in China. They are no longer considered to be risqué and are enjoyed by a broad cross section of Chinese society. You will find that

Creation Tattoo

Creation Tattoo was founded in 2009 and has been a hit with Beijing’s trendiest urbanites ever since, and for good reason . Though not the oldest tattoo studio in Beijing, the artists at Creation have a good many years experience between them. Tattooist Haiyang has been inking skin for over a decade and his masterpieces are indeed very impressive, large works with intricate designs, with vivid colours . His specialty designs include themes from traditional Chinese art and Buddhist art including dragons, phoenixes, ghosts and demons.

Fly, a slightly less experienced tattooist, compensates for less time spent in the tattooist’s chair with his broadly creative flair. His tats feature many traditional tattoo images but they come with his own cartoon influenced perspective which take the designs into another realm of creativity.

This classily decorated studio is comfortable for long stays and they also offer microdermals as well as tattoo removal for those less well-advised tattoo choices that people have made. The experts at the studio also share their knowledge of body art providing classes in the art of tattooing and providing many would be tattooists a foot in the door of the creative world of ink.

Add: #4309, Building 4, JianwaiSoho, Dongsanhuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing

地址: 北京市朝阳区东三环中路39号 建外Soho4号楼4309号商铺

Tel: 010 5869 1886, 139 1126 9662 (English speaking)

Web: http://www.tianxiciqing.com

Longxiutang Tattoo

Located between the stunning factory buildings, chimneys and structures of 751 Power Square just a short stroll from the hustle and bustle of the 798 art district, Longxiutang has been a forerunner in China’s tattoo business since over a decade. The studio once boasted being the largest in China at its original location in Nvren Jie before it was demolished last year. The tattoo parlor was originally founded by Xiao Long (齐旭龙), a famous Chinese tattoo artist now based in New York, with the vision of promoting and developing tattoo culture in China at a time when tattoos were associated with derogatory stereotypes. The studio is currently run by Tian Ju, a tattoo master with over ten years of experience.

The studio itself is equipped with the top quality, international standard equipment. Needles are never re-used and ensuring the highest standards of hygiene is one of the studio’s top priorities. Tattoos don’t come cheap, with the minimum price for tattoos starting from 500RMB. As a professional studio, Longxiutang does not do walk-ins. Those interested need to book several weeks in advance due to waiting lists and Tian Ju is known for turning down people who wander in unprepared or without a clear concept about the tattoo they want. English language isn’t spoken fluently here but communication through pictures usually does the trick.

13439449171 longxiutang@hotmail.com

北京市昌平区兴寿镇辛庄果满地国际文化艺术园

Ghost Space Tattoo Studio

The resident tattooist at Ghost Space Tattoo Studio is He Wenqian, who started out as a tattoo artist more than eight years ago. With all this experience under his belt his works are popular with both the local and expat community. From muscle bound foreign guys with macho tattoos to dainty, well to do Chinese ladies looking for small lotus blossoms or a carp to decorate their midriff, He Wenqian has had all manner of clientele in his studio chair and under the needle.

Although He is not an English speaker, guests are able to bring a friend to translate or can communicate using pictures. He is happy to work from ready made designs or create custom designs specific to the client’s requirements. The entire operation exudes professionalism and the centrally-located, comfortable and pleasant studio in Longfusi is in keeping with this expertise. Prices are not cheap, with the smallest simplest designs starting at 500RMB, but it is worth paying for quality, especially when it is something as personal and long lasting as a tattoo. In addition to tattoos, Ghost Space Tattoos also offers body piercing from simple ear piercing to more private and exotic piercing.

Add: No. B-26, 1/F Longfusi Plaza, Dongcheng District, Beijing

地址: 北京市东城区隆福寺广场正门B-26号

010 6401 3066