The Rare Finds of Beijing Antique Markets
When visiting Beijing's antique markets, it becomes clear that China is a country with more history than it knows what to do with. From centuries old relics to last year's DVDs, almost every conceivable thing produced in China can be found in Beijing's antique markets. Panjiayuan Market gets all the hype, but Beijng certainly has more to offer. William Wang rummages through the detritus to find the hidden treasures.
Tianya Antique City -- Posh Antique Boutiques
Beijing antique markets run the gamut in terms of style, and places like Tianya Antique City are a world apart from blankets on the ground, covered in dusty items.
The building is an imposing nine stories of boutique style stores, each selling their own specialty. Each floor has a long corridor, bordered in by window displays which seem like museum exhibitions. The feeling is admittedly a touch austere, but some of the individuals in the establishments are very friendly once you enter the door.
Tianya is perfect for those who don't have time to pore through piles of substandard or broken goods, as this market definitely has higher standards (and prices) than its competition. The market has implemented control measures to encourage the sale of genuine artifacts. A national gemstone testing centre is present to confirm item quality. It crosses one's mind that many of the objects for sale could be better protected in the National Museum.
The Royal Culture Academy of the Daily History Editorial store up on the top floor is a particular highlight, where an impressive collection of Tibetan ceremonial masks and costumes from the Qing Dynasty are on display. The terrifying, larger than life masks have been obtained at auctions abroad and are so rare they are not for sale.
Another notable store is the Xu Art & Antique store, which has an impressive collection of glass snuff bottles, impossibly painted from within. One particular 3.5 cm tall bottle holds a world record for having no less than one hundred excruciatingly detailed tigers painted on it. This store also sells a variety of snuff, and visitors can even try a snort or two.
Beijing Curio City -- Antique Overload
And if people still want to seek antique boutiques after perusing nine stories of them, then just across the street are 300-some more antique stores at Beijing Curio City, a massive shopping mall complex.
The f! eeling here is definitely more relaxed than Tianya, a feeling of openness aided by the bright open space at the building's core. The feeling is more casual, and the goods are accordingly less opulent. It's a pleasant enough space to while away an afternoon, poking your nose into stores to browse jewelry, clocks, paintings, rugs and knickknacks of quality ranging from middle of the road to exquisite.
Be prepared to bargain, as nothing has a price tag. But be forewarned that judging the true price of items here could be difficult to ascertain. A salesperson in Seer Art Consultant Company wasn't able to state a definite price on some Tibetan jewelry. "The prices of rings are priced differently according to the different levels of workmanship, culture and historical relevance," he reported. "It's hard to judge or set the price of each antique." But don't be surprised when prices go into the thousands of yuan.
Tianya Antique MarketAddress: 6 Huawei South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Beijing Curio CityAddress: 21 South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Source: CRI by William Wang
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