Welcome to our guide on the best things to buy in Beijing! This article helps foreign tourists find perfect gifts and souvenirs in Beijing. Discover what to buy in Beijing, from traditional crafts to modern delights.
Whether you’re seeking Beijing souvenirs or unique Beijing gifts, we’ve got you covered. With detailed tips and recommendations, you’ll easily navigate the bustling markets and shops. Get ready to explore Beijing’s vibrant shopping scene and bring home memorable treasures. Read on to make your Beijing shopping experience enjoyable and rewarding. Let’s dive into the best gifts from Beijing!
Check out: 10 Best Markets in Beijing for more shopping information.
1. Cloisonne Ware
Beijing is famous for its beautiful cloisonné enamelware, which includes vases, jewelry, and decorative items. These pieces have intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Cloisonné is a traditional enamelware art form from Beijing. It features intricate designs made with thin metal wires filled with colored enamel. Cloisonné vases, bowls, and jewelry boxes make beautiful and unique souvenirs.
When shopping in Beijing, consider cloisonné ware for its beauty and craftsmanship. These items are perfect for gifts in Beijing and will remind you of your visit to Beijing.
Where to find it:
1. Dashilan Street, Qianmen
2. Beijing Enamel Factory
Address: 10 Anlelin Rd, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Metro: Subway Line 14 and get off at Jingtai Station
3. Beijing Gongmei Mansion
Address: 200 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
Metro: Taking Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station
2. Peking Opera Masks
Peking Opera is a traditional form of Chinese theater known for its colorful and elaborate masks. These masks are integral to the performances, each representing different characters. When visiting Beijing, you will find many replicas of these masks, making them vibrant and decorative souvenirs.
These decorative masks from Beijing are unique souvenirs, perfect for those interested in Chinese culture. They symbolize the rich heritage of Peking Opera, showcasing the artistry and tradition of this theatrical form. Additionally, the masks come in various designs and colors, making them attractive keepsakes.
When shopping for Beijing souvenirs, consider buying Peking Opera Masks. These masks are not only beautiful but also hold cultural significance. They serve as excellent conversation pieces and reminders of your trip to Beijing. By bringing home a Peking Opera Mask, you carry a piece of Chinese history and art with you.
Where to find it:
1. Sold in many tourist kiosks in the major attractions in Beijing
2.Beijing Gongmei Mansion
Address: 200 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
Metro: Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station
3. Chang’an Grand Theatre
Address: 7 Chang’an Ave, Dongcheng, Beijing
Subway: Subway line1 and exit from Exit A at Jianguomen Station and walk 200 m to the west.
3. Chinese Tea
Beijing is home to numerous tea shops, offering a wide variety of high-quality Chinese teas. When shopping for Beijing gifts, consider bringing back some tea leaves. Popular choices include green tea and jasmine tea, which let you enjoy a taste of China at home.
Chinese tea is renowned worldwide, and you can find many varieties in Beijing. From green and black teas to floral and herbal options, the selection is vast. Visiting local tea shops provides an excellent opportunity to explore these different flavors and aromas.
When buying Chinese tea in Beijing, look for loose-leaf tea or beautifully crafted tea sets. Loose-leaf tea offers a rich and authentic experience, while tea sets make perfect gifts. By bringing home these items, you not only have a delightful beverage but also a memorable souvenir of your trip.
Where to find it:
1. Wuyutai Tea House
Address: 186 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
Subway: Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station
2. Zhangyiyuan Tea Shop
Address No. 22, Dashilan, Qianmen Street, Xuanwu District, Beijing
Subway：Subway Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station
4. Silk Products
Silk holds great value in Chinese culture, and Beijing is famous for its silk products. When shopping for Beijing gifts, consider purchasing silk scarves, clothing, or accessories. These items are not only beautiful but also carry cultural significance.
China is renowned for its silk, and Beijing offers a variety of silk products. You can find exquisite scarves, elegant clothing, and luxurious bed linens. High-quality silk items make excellent souvenirs, reflecting both the craftsmanship and tradition of Chinese culture.
When buying silk products in Beijing, look for reputable shops to ensure the best quality. Silk scarves and clothing are stylish and practical gifts. Additionally, silk bed linens provide a touch of luxury and comfort. Bringing home these items will remind you of your trip to Beijing and its rich cultural heritage.
Where to find it:
1.Silk Market: Located at 8 Xiushui East Street in the Chaoyang District, the Silk Street Market is easily accessible. The most convenient way is by subway: take line 1 to Yonganli Station and exit from Exit A.
2. Ruifuxiang Silk Store: At present Ruifuxiang flag store is located in the north side of Beijing Dashilan Street in Qianmen Street, Beijing.
5. Chinese Calligraphy Art
Calligraphy is an important part of Chinese culture, and you can find beautifully crafted calligraphy scrolls or personalized pieces created by local artists.
Chinese calligraphy dates back to ancient China and is considered one of the highest forms of visual artistic expression. It holds a significant position in Chinese culture, reflecting the country’s rich heritage and deep reverence for the written word.
Chinese calligraphy encompasses a wide range of styles and scripts, each with its own distinct characteristics. The most well-known calligraphy styles include seal script, clerical script, regular script, running script, and cursive script. Each style showcases different stroke techniques, structure, and aesthetic elements.
Where to find it:
Liulichang Antique Street: On both sides of the street there are about 100 storefronts and vendors’ stalls selling collectibles and art supplies.
6. Chinese Knots
These intricate and colorful knots are often used as decorative items or symbols of good luck and prosperity. They come in various sizes and designs.
Chinese knots are believed to have originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and have since become an important aspect of Chinese decorative arts. The knots are known for their auspicious symbolism and are considered talismans for good luck, longevity, prosperity, and happiness.
Chinese knots are typically made using cords made of silk, cotton, or nylon. These cords are then intricately woven and tied using a variety of knotting techniques. Some common knotting techniques include the button knot, the auspicious knot, the double coin knot, and the butterfly knot.
7. Paper Cuts
Chinese paper cutting is an ancient art form. These intricate designs are often used as decorations during Chinese New Year. You can find various themed paper cuts as souvenirs.
Chinese paper cutting originated over 1,500 years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) and has since become a popular folk art. It holds deep cultural and symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, often used for decoration, celebration, and to convey blessings and good luck.
Chinese paper cuts are traditionally crafted using colored, thin paper. The paper is folded into halves or quarters, and symmetrical designs are meticulously cut out using special scissors or sharp knives. Nowadays, artists also use laser cutting or stencils for more intricate and detailed designs.
Where to find it:
1) Yandai Xiejie, Shichahai
2) Beijing Gongmei Mansion
Address: 200 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
Metro: Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station
8. Great Wall Souvenirs
When visiting Beijing, one of the most iconic and memorable souvenirs you can bring back is related to the Great Wall of China.
Miniature replicas of the Great Wall are popular souvenirs. These can come in various forms, including keychains, snow globes, models, or decorative items. They serve as a reminder of your visit and can be displayed at home or in the office.
Great Wall Postcards and Prints: Look for postcards and prints featuring stunning images of the Great Wall. Whether you prefer vintage or contemporary designs, these souvenirs capture the grandeur of the Great Wall and can be framed or collected in a scrapbook.
Where to find it:
1.Tourist Kiosks at the major sections of the Great Wall
2. Beijing Gongmei Mansion
Address: 200 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
Metro: Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station
9. Mao Zedong Memorabilia
For history enthusiasts, Beijing offers various antique markets where you can find Mao memorabilia, such as posters, Mao badges, and vintage propaganda materials.
Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, holds significant historical importance in China. However, it’s important to approach the subject of Mao Zedong memorabilia with sensitivity and respect.
Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, located in Tiananmen Square, is a popular attraction in Beijing. Visitors can pay their respects to Mao Zedong by visiting his preserved body, which is on display. This is not a place to purchase memorabilia, but it holds great historical and cultural significance.
Mao Zedong Souvenirs: Various souvenir shops and markets in Beijing sell Mao Zedong-related memorabilia. These items can include posters, keychains, pins, and small figurines featuring Mao Zedong. It’s important to note that these items should be treated with respect and understanding of their historical context.
Suggest going to Panjiayuan Market( Panjiayuan Antique Market) to get Mao memorabilia.
10. Traditional Snacks
If you’re looking to bring back some traditional Beijing snacks as gifts for friends, here are some popular options:
Beijing-style Preserved Fruits: These are fruits that have been preserved and often coated in sugar or honey. Examples include preserved plums, hawthorn fruits, or apricots. They provide a unique and sweet-tart flavor and are a popular gift choice.
Baijiu Wine: Baijiu is a strong Chinese liquor, and Beijing produces its own famous brands such as Erguodou. Gifting a bottle of Baijiu to friends who appreciate unique alcoholic beverages can be an interesting option.
Traditional Beijing Pastries: Look for traditional Beijing pastries like jianbing (a savory pancake filled with crispy fried dough, vegetables, and sauce), walnut cake, or almond cake. Packaged versions of these pastries are available in many stores and make for a delicious gift.
Beijing-style Mooncakes: If your visit coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, gifting Beijing-style mooncakes can be a great idea. These mooncakes have a flaky pastry crust and are often filled with red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or other traditional fillings.
Remember to explore Beijing’s traditional markets, such as Panjiayuan Antique Market and Liulichang Cultural Street, to discover a wide range of these distinctively Beijing souvenirs. Additionally, bargaining is common in many markets, so be prepared to negotiate politely for the best prices.
More Beijing Travel Guides
Planning your Beijing tour? Our “Beijing Travel Guide“ section offers essential advice to help you navigate the city like a pro. From transportation tips and local customs to insider recommendations for hidden gems, these travel tips will ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience in China’s vibrant capital. Let us guide you through the best practices for exploring Beijing with confidence!
