May Day shopping list: Beijing's cultural and creative products

As the May Day holiday approaches, a surge in tourism is on the horizon. Travel not only brings sensory experiences, mental refreshment, and spiritual enlightenment, but also extends a unique memory. Inspired by their own distinctive natural landscapes and profound historical and cultural heritage, many tourist destinations are now designing cultural and creative products that are both artistic and practical, which are highly popular among tourists. The popularity reflects a deep sense of cultural identity and emotional resonance. Here are some cultural and creative designs from Beijing's attractions.

Cultural and creative products in the Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven fridge magnets have captured the hearts of fans with their unique designs and exquisite beauty, earning them the title the “ceiling” of cultural and creative products. These magnets embody a rich tapestry of cultural elements, including loong, Ruyi and the 24 Solar Terms.

Beyond the fridge magnets, there are squirrel clapping bracelets, 3D notebooks, bookmarks in the shape of Chinese round fans with the four seasons and building blocks inspired by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. These cultural and creative products not only satisfy consumers' aesthetic cravings but also ignite their desire to collect, making them indispensable souvenirs for a journey.

Cultural and creative products in National Natural History Museum of China

The National Natural History Museum of China has a collection of over 400,000 specimens, with the largest number of rare specimens among natural history museums in China, and it also houses many valuable specimens gifted by other countries.

There are many interesting cultural and creative products, such as dinosaur-shaped copper rulers, mammoth-shaped cups, elephant-patterned bracelets, panda-shaped document bags and blind boxes with animal stripe series, which are full of natural and wild feelings.

Cultural and creative products in China National Botanical Garden

The flagship store of China National Botanical Garden's cultural and creative products is located on the west side of the visitor service center inside the southeast gate of the North Garden, offering various cultural and creative products related to plants, such as textile porcelain, accessories, and food.

Twenty Four Life is located on the west side of the Plant Museum in the North Garden, offering a variety of tea drinks and meals based on seasonal ingredients.

The second “Spring Colors” Cultural and Creative Products Market

Time: weekends, Qingming Festival, and May Day holiday during March 30, 2024 and May 5, 2024

Address: around the Plant Museum in the North Garden and the Chinese Rose Garden square

Products showcased in the market: peach blossom ice cream, tulip ice cream, plant-themed fridge magnets, plant plush toys, etc. A “Plant Cosmetics” section has been added, featuring DIY lipsticks and perfume oil, and other activities.

In addition, the botanical garden also has a series of small jar teas, seasonal incense, and other cultural and creative products.

Cultural and creative products in Beijing Zoo

Inspired by its adorable animals, the zoo has created fridge magnets, badges, keychains, plush toys, bracelets, hats, candies, pens, etc.

These items are sold at various locations including the Zoo Shop, Cute Tiger Store, Giraffe Store, Panda Shop and Olympic souvenir flagship store.

Cultural and creative products in Beijing Planetarium

These creative products integrate astronomical and cosmic elements into everyday items, such as umbrellas with starry patterns, transparent soaps with a cosmic theme and notebooks adorned with a starry sky. These items add a touch of fun to daily life.

Cultural and creative products in Taoranting Park

Taohuayuan Shop

In celebration of the 2024 New Year holiday, the park unveiled two captivating fridge magnet designs: “Joy at Taoranting” and “Famous Pavilion: Taoranting”. These magnets quickly became a sensation

Building upon this success, Taoranting Park continues to delight visitors with a fresh assortment of souvenirs inspired by traditional festivals and cultural icons. The park's latest offerings include exquisite folding fans, Beijing Tu'er Ye (Rabbit God) figurines, “Elephant Slide” fridge magnets, and a stamp collecting activity.

Cultural and creative products in the Temple of Agriculture

The Temple of Agriculture has unveiled a captivating collection of souvenirs.

Dougong fridge magnets : inspired by the intricate craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture, each magnet piece resembles a component of a puzzle.

Auspicious Loong fridge magnets: these exquisite magnets replicate the intricate designs and rich colors of Panlong Zaojing.

The “Grain Storage” series : 3D fridge magnets designed based on the architecture of the Shencang Yuanlin building.

Additionally, there are stamp collections postcards, seals, prints of Panlong Zaojing as well as 3D metal badges shaped like wheat.

Cultural and creative products in Beijing Confucian Temple and the Imperial College

Top Scholar creative ice Cream: inspired by the iconic architectural elements of the Imperial College and the cultural significance of Top Scholar. After finishing the ice cream, you'll find one of five random inscriptions such as "Top of the Exam List", "Bright Future Ahead", "Sure to Pass the Exam", "Soaring to Success", and "First Place in the Exam" on the wooden stick.

As the wisteria season approaches, the museum has recently launched limited edition creative products including handbags, stamps, folding fans, and fridge magnets themed around the wisteria season.

Cultural and creative products in Beijing Art Museum

During the blooming season of magnolia flowers, the museum's Wanshou post office has launched a magnolia flower series of cultural and creative products, including fridge magnets, badges, cloth bags, and notebooks. Previously, it introduced the auspicious loong blessing series of fridge magnets and the auspicious keychain series, which were designed based on cultural relics such as the deer pattern vase. The "Fortune and Longevity" scented candles feature a base design inspired by the bat and peony patterns, symbolizing fortune and longevity.

These cultural and creative products combine cultural heritage and natural charm, conveying sentiments and fostering bonds. Among these designs, which one are you interested in?

Translator: LI An

Reviewer: PAN Wenrui