Beijing, the bustling capital of China, is not only rich in history and culture but also a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts. For visitors eager to bring home a piece of this cultural heritage, the city offers an abundance of handcrafted items that are both unique and meaningful.
This guide will introduce you to the top handicrafts in Beijing, where to find them, and how to get there, ensuring that your shopping experience is both enjoyable and rewarding.
1. Peking Opera Masks
To begin with, Peking Opera Masks are one of the top handicrafts in Beijing. These masks, used in the traditional Peking Opera, symbolize various characters through distinctive colors and patterns. Each color represents a specific trait: for instance, red signifies loyalty, black indicates integrity, and white is associated with treachery.
The craft of making these masks dates back to the 12th century, during the Song Dynasty, and has remained an integral part of Chinese culture ever since. Because of their rich cultural significance, Peking Opera Masks are highly sought after by visitors.
Where to Buy: You can find these exquisite masks at the Liulichang Cultural Street, which is a hub for traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Additionally, this area is conveniently located near Hepingmen Subway Station (Line 2), making it easily accessible for tourists.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 2 to Hepingmen Station. After exiting from Exit C, walk south for about 10 minutes. Liulichang Cultural Street will be on your left.
2. Clay Figurines
Moreover, clay figurines are another beloved handicraft that has been part of Chinese culture for over 3,500 years. This art form combines sculpting and painting to create small, delicate figures that depict everything from ancient generals to scenes from everyday life.
One of the most famous styles is the Clay Figure Zhang, which involves a meticulous process of shaping, drying, firing, and painting. Because of their detailed craftsmanship, these figurines are highly appreciated by collectors and tourists alike.
Where to Buy: To find authentic clay figurines, visit Panjiayuan Antique Market. This market is known as the best place in Beijing for Chinese handicrafts, including clay figurines.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 10 to Panjiayuan Station. After exiting from Exit B, walk east for about 10 minutes. The market is hard to miss.
3. Paper-Cutting Art
Furthermore, paper-cutting is a traditional Chinese folk art that has been practiced for centuries. This craft involves cutting intricate designs into paper, often depicting themes from Chinese mythology, nature, or opera.
Because of its cultural significance, paper-cutting has been recognized as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Therefore, it is no surprise that this art form is a popular souvenir among both locals and tourists.
Where to Buy: Dashilan Street is an excellent place to find paper-cutting art. This historic street, located near Qianmen Street, is lined with shops that specialize in traditional crafts, offering a wide variety of paper-cutting designs.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station. Exit from Exit A and walk south towards Dashilan Street.
4. Beijing Kites
In addition to the aforementioned crafts, kite flying is a beloved pastime in Beijing, and the city is renowned for its beautifully crafted kites. These kites, typically made of paper or silk, are completely hand-painted with designs that often feature dragons, butterflies, and other symbols of good luck. Because of their artistic value, Beijing kites are a popular choice for visitors looking to bring home a piece of Chinese culture.
Where to Buy: The Beijing Kite Museum, located in Dongcheng District, is the best place to find these stunning kites. Not only can you purchase kites of all shapes and sizes, but you can also learn about the history and significance of kite making in China.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station. After exiting from Exit C, walk south along Wangfujing Street until you reach the museum.
5. Dough Figurines
Another unique form of traditional Beijing handicraft is dough figurines. Made from glutinous rice flour, these figurines are shaped and colored to resemble people, animals, or mythical creatures. The skill involved in creating these tiny sculptures is impressive, making them a favorite among visitors looking for something truly special. Because they are made from natural materials, dough figurines are both environmentally friendly and culturally significant.
Where to Buy: For those interested in purchasing dough figurines, the Beijing Folk Custom Museum in Dongcheng District is the place to go. Here, you can not only buy these charming figures but also watch artisans create them right before your eyes.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 5 to Dongsi Station. After exiting from Exit B, walk north along Dongsi North Street.
6. Red Lanterns
Red lanterns are another iconic symbol of Chinese culture, representing happiness, prosperity, and good luck. These lanterns, often seen hanging during festivals, are made from bamboo frames and covered with red silk or paper. Because of their cultural symbolism, red lanterns make for a vibrant and traditional gift that can add a touch of Beijing to any home.
Where to Buy: The best place to purchase red lanterns is the Hongqiao Pearl Market. This market offers a wide variety of lanterns in different sizes, ensuring that you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantandongmen Station. After exiting from Exit B, walk west along Tiantan East Road until you reach the market.
7. Shadow Puppets
Furthermore, shadow puppetry is an ancient Chinese art form that combines storytelling with intricate shadow play. The puppets, made from leather, are carefully cut and painted, then used to create shadow images on a screen. Because each puppet is a masterpiece, shadow puppetry is a fascinating aspect of Chinese culture that has been passed down through generations.
Where to Buy: The Beijing Shadow Puppet Theater is the best place to purchase these unique puppets. Additionally, the theater offers performances, allowing visitors to see the puppets in action and gain a deeper appreciation for this traditional art form.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 6 to Nanluoguxiang Station. After exiting from Exit E, walk north along Nanluoguxiang Street.
8. Cloisonné Enamel
In addition to the crafts mentioned above, cloisonné, also known as “Jingtailan,” is one of Beijing’s most famous traditional arts. This intricate art form involves applying enamel to metal objects, such as vases or jewelry, and then firing them to create vibrant, colorful designs. Because of the skill and time required to produce cloisonné pieces, they are highly valued and make for an exquisite gift.
Where to Buy: The Beijing Enamel Factory is the best place to find authentic cloisonné pieces. This factory offers a wide range of products, from small trinkets to large vases, ensuring that you can find the perfect item to suit your taste.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 10 to Sanyuanqiao Station. After exiting from Exit C, take a short taxi ride to the factory.
9. Jade Carvings
Additionally, jade has been cherished in Chinese culture for thousands of years. In Beijing, you will find jade carved into intricate designs, ranging from small pendants to large sculptures. Each piece of jade is a symbol of purity and moral integrity, making jade carvings a meaningful gift that embodies the values of Chinese culture.
Where to Buy: The Beijing Jade Carving Factory, located in the Haidian District, is the go-to place for high-quality jade carvings. Here, you can find a wide variety of jade products, from traditional designs to modern interpretations.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 4 to Xiyuan Station. After exiting from Exit A, take a short taxi ride to the factory.
10. Silk Souvenirs
Finally, silk has been a prized material in China for over 5,000 years, and Beijing is no exception when it comes to producing high-quality silk products. From beautiful silk scarves to intricately embroidered silk robes, these items are perfect for those looking to bring home a piece of traditional Chinese luxury. Because of their versatility, silk products make for ideal gifts for friends and family.
Where to Buy: The Beijing Silk Street Market is a popular spot for tourists seeking silk products. This bustling market offers a wide variety of silk items at various price points, ensuring that you can find something that fits your budget.
Getting There: Take Subway Line 1 to Yonganli Station. After exiting from Exit A, walk south along Jianguomenwai Street to reach the market.
When shopping for top handicrafts in Beijing, it is essential to know where to go and how to get there. Since Beijing is a sprawling city, many craft markets and shops are centrally located, but some may require more effort to reach. Here are a few additional tips to help you navigate the city:
First, when shopping in markets, bargaining is expected. Start by offering about half of the asking price and negotiate from there. Also, it’s part of the experience, so enjoy the process!
Next, while cash is widely accepted, many shops and markets also accept mobile payments through apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay. Therefore, it’s a good idea to set up these services on your phone if you prefer not to carry cash.
Additionally, while many shopkeepers speak basic English, learning a few Chinese phrases can go a long way in enhancing your shopping experience. Finally, Beijing’s public transportation system is extensive and affordable. The subway is the most efficient way to travel around the city. T
