Unlike other countries’ thrift stores like those operated by the Salvation Army and Goodwill whose proceeds go to charities, second hand stores in Beijing are less common and usually for-profit. We’ll talk about them more below.

Second hand stores in Beijing are a little difficult to find, because almost all are independently operated, but you can occasionally stumble upon one in off the beaten path areas like hutongs. These are places where normal people take their unwanted things to sell or trade like books, novelties, and retro items. These stores will often take in unwanted items and add them to their collection, available for purchase to others. You may be familiar with the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, and that is surely in effect here.

Look for second hand stores in areas like Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying hutong, and other older hutong areas. You can go in to look for stuff or ask the owner if you can sell some of your things.