Located at the southeast corner of the 3rd Ring Road in Beijing, covering an area of 48,500 square meters (520,000 square feet), Panjiayuan Flea Market is the largest, most complete, cheapest and most popular market selling second hand goods and curios in China. There are so many types of goods in the market that it is like a museum. It is a heaven for buying and appreciating antiques, crafts, collectibles and decorations. Actually, Panjiayuan Flea Market has become one of the must-go attractions of Beijing for tourists from home or aboard.
Porcelains and Other CraftworksPorcelain is absolutely the most typical of Chinese craftworks showing eastern cultural features. Porcelain wares are highly prized by foreign visitors for their exquisite design and special styles. There are some ancient porcelain wares from hundreds of years ago, as well as less expensive imitations sold in the market. Other craftworks, such as paper-cuts, gold or silverware, bamboo carvings, bone carvings, woven cloth, dyed cloth, embroidery, lacquer ware and teapots, can be seen in the market, giving a general picture of Chinese folk life in old times.
Jewels and JadesThere are a lot of shops selling jewels and jades, in which you can find precious treasures, such as the Hetian Jade and nephrite, agate, amber, pearl, coral, turquoise, diamonds, ornamental stones, crystal, etc.
Ancient Propaganda PicturesThere are many booths selling ancient books and propaganda pictures. The pictures describe the cultural life after the foundation of the PRC and reflect the simple spirit of that time. Mr. Liu Zhanquan is a famous collector of hundreds of ancient propaganda pictures. The pictures enjoyed by visitors and show the features of the times.Location of Liu Zhanquan's shop: No.212, 2/F, Modern Collection Area, Panjiayuan Flea Market
Calligraphies and PaintingsThe market possesses rich sources of antique paintings and calligraphies, such as oil paintings, watercolor paintings, ink paintings, print-makings, sketches, decorative paintings and ancient calligraphies. A small number of them are precious original manuscripts, but most are imitations.
Carved FurnitureTraditional Chinese furniture requires a high-class wood-working technique, and has been well liked by locals for thousands of years. The furniture is skillfully carved with vivid flowers, spirits or animal designs. There are styles, such as Ming Dynasty Style, Qing Dynasty Style and Tibetan Style. Many kinds of carvings like doors, windows, cupboards and wardrobes are ideal decorations for the house with classical features.
Address: No.200, West of Panjiayuan Bridge, Chaoyang District
Bus Route: Bus 36, 51, 802, 674, 28, 368, 627, 638 or 99 takes you there
Source: travelchinaguide.com
