Liulichang Cultural Relics Street

 

Liulichang Cultural Relics Street

If you are interested in Chinese antiques, don't miss Liulichang Cultural Relics Street.

This crowded hutong has a history that stretches back to the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, and is a great place to go for the traditional "four treasures of the study": calligraphy brushes, inks, ink stones and paper.

Located in southwestern Beijing, the 750-meter-long street still has the appearance of a Qing Dynasty market street. In the Qing Dynasty, many businessmen and venders began to sell curios and old books there. Over the years it was gradually replaced by the bazaar of calligraphy, painting, copybook and artifacts and the four treasures of the study. After a fairly moribund period, the street was rebuilt in 1982 and has since revived. The renovated streetscape is part of the pleasure of browsing here. Recently blocked off to cars, these days the whole experience is much more pleasant, as one can freely stroll the narrow lane.

The most famous shop in the Liulichang Street of Chinese Culture is Rongbaozhai Bookshop. Built in the early years of Qing Dynasty, it now particularly sells authentic calligraphy and paintings of both ancient and modern authors in China.

Hours: Daily 9 am-6 pm 

How to get there: Subway Line 2: get off at Hepingmen Station, use Exit D1 or D2 (southwest exit) and walk south for 500 meters; Take bus 7, 14, 15, 66 and get off at Liulichang Station.