Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
Carpets
Panjiayuan is an excellent spot to pick up a new rug. There's a wide selection of carpets,
both old and new, from all over China: from Xinjiang, in the far west, to Tibet. Antique
carpets are often the best buy: they are handmade and have rich colours from the use of
natural dyes.
Communist Kitsch
Mao memorabilia remains one of Beijing's most popular souvenirs and this is the best
place to pick some up. Mao's
Little Red Book,
a collection of his quotations, is still the
number-one seller. But if that doesn't do it for you, you can find Mao watches and 1970s-
era alarm clocks, or lighters emblazoned with the Great Helmsman's image that play the
Chinese national anthem.
Paintings & Posters
There's an awful lot of calligraphy on offer here, along with ink scroll paintings of
Chinese landscapes. Be discerning, though, because much of it is not particularly memor-
able or valuable. One good buy is old Shanghai cigarette posters from the 1920s and '30s.
They will increase in value, but make sure you are buying an original.
Garage Sales
Panjiayuan started life in the early 1980s as a place where locals could sell all the stuff
they and their families had been hoarding during the years when free enterprise was not
allowed. On the fringes of the market, you'll still find people selling what seems to be the
contents of their attics. Browse carefully, and you might find a few gems.
Top Tips
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While the market runs every day, it's much more fun at weekends.
