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As one of the historic capitals
of China, Beijing has long been an attractive place for skilled craftsmen to come and seek
patronage. For this reason, it is possible to find some of the best examples of Chinese
craftsmanship in this city.
The so-called "famous
characters" of handicrafts: cloisonne, ivory carvings, jade,
and carved lacquerware are prime
examples. Other enticing art pieces and cultural items include the "treasures"
of Chinese scholarly tradition (the Chinese writing brush, ink sticks, ink wells, and
paper), Chinese
calligraphy and paintings, silk embroidery,
jewelry and stone chops carved with one's name (another symbol of the Chinese scholarly
tradition).
For those travelers who prefer
folk handicrafts, traditional figurines made from clay, dough or silk, colorful kites and paper-cuts are fascinating
pieces to add to any collection.
Similarly, many travelers buy Chinese musical instruments
to play or just as ornaments. In recent years, traditional Chinese furniture and antique
furniture have become more popular and fashionable.
Beyond the traditional, since
China opened its doors to the outside world, many large modern department stores and
shopping centers have appeared in Beijing. World famous international brands have also
settled down here.
Read about the major shopping areas in Beijing below or search our
shopping index for shopping centers and other options.
About
Shopping & Markets In Beijing
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