Don't Know What to Buy in Beijing?

Follow us! This guide is designed to cut through the noise, offering foreign travelers a curated list of authentic, meaningful, and portable Beijing souvenirs that truly represent Beijing's rich culture. We focus on quality over quantity, providing specific product recommendations and trusted locations to ensure you take home a piece of China's capital that you'll treasure forever.

A Curated Checklist of Beijing Souvenirs

I. Traditional Handicrafts & Fine Art

These items represent centuries of artistic heritage and make for stunning, high-quality keepsakes.

Cloisonné (Jingtailan / 景泰蓝)

A quintessential Beijing craft, Cloisonné, known as "Jingtailan" in Chinese, is famous for its brilliant colors and intricate metal wire designs. The name translates to "Blue of Jingtai," referencing the Ming Dynasty era when the technique flourished.

What to look for: Vibrant, smooth colors with clearly defined wire outlines. The back should be well-finished.
Top Picks: Avoid large, heavy vases. Instead, opt for **small jewelry boxes, delicate vases (under 20cm), decorative ornaments, or earrings and pendants**. These are beautiful, manageable to carry, and often more affordable.
Where to Buy Authentic Cloisonné:
- Beijing Gongmei (Arts & Crafts) Building (王府井工美大厦): A reputable state-owned store on Wangfujing Street. Fixed prices, guaranteed quality. Perfect for hassle-free shopping.
- Beijing Enamel Factory (珐琅厂): Go straight to the source in the south of the city. You can sometimes watch artisans at work and purchase directly from their showroom.
- Liulichang Cultural Street (琉璃厂文化街): This street is known for traditional art supplies and antiques; several shops sell high-quality Cloisonné.

Peking Opera Mask Souvenirs

Peking Opera is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the colorful, symbolic masks (Lianpu) are its most recognizable icon.

What to look for: Well-painted details that reflect the character's personality (e.g., red for loyalty, black for fierceness).
Top Picks:
- Ceramic or Wooden Mask Ornaments: Small enough for a wall hanging or desk display.
- Bookmarks: Elegant metal or lacquer bookmarks incorporating mask designs.
- Keychains: A small, lightweight, and practical option.
Where to Buy: Souvenir shops near Liulichang and the Gongmei Building. Also found in tourist areas like Dashilan.

Chinese Knots & Paper-Cutting (Zhongguojie & Jianzhi / 中国结 & 剪纸)

Both art forms carry deep symbolic meaning. Chinese knots represent good luck, prosperity, and happiness, while paper-cuttings are often used for festive decorations.

What to look for: Tight, complex knots for Chinese knots. Fine, delicate cuts and high-quality paper for paper-cuttings.
Top Picks: A medium-sized Chinese knot wall hanging. For paper-cuttings, choose ones professionally mounted under glass or in a frame, featuring themes like the Chinese character "福" (Fu for blessing), zodiac animals, or silhouettes of Beijing architecture like the Temple of Heaven.
Where to Buy: Temple fairs (if timing aligns), **Liulichang**, and **souvenir shops in hutongs**.

II. Practical Daily Items with Cultural Flair

Souvenirs you can actually use, infused with Chinese culture.

Silk Products

Silk is synonymous with Chinese history and luxury. It's a timeless gift.

What to look for: 100% pure silk (look for labels saying "real silk" or "chou" in Chinese). Feel the texture—it should be smooth and slightly heavy.
Top Picks:
- Scarves: The perfect souvenir. Look for square scarves printed with traditional motifs: flowers, birds, Chinese水墨画 (ink wash paintings), or patterns inspired by the Forbidden City.
- Sleepwear/Eye Mask: For a touch of luxury, high-quality silk pajamas or an eye mask are incredible.
Where to Buy:
- Ruifuxiang (瑞蚨祥): A famous old-brand (laozihao) silk store with a history dating back to 1862. Located on Dashilan Street. Guaranteed quality at fixed prices.
- Silk Market (Xiushui Market / 秀水市场): A famous but intense shopping experience. You must bargain aggressively (start at 30-40% of the initial asking price). Be aware of mixed quality.

Scholar's Four Treasures & Chinese Stationery

Embody the spirit of Chinese calligraphy and painting. Even if you're not an artist, the items are beautifully crafted.

What to look for: Well-made brushes, smooth inkstones, and elegant design.
Top Picks:
- Travel Calligraphy Set: A small set with a mini-brush, inkstick, and paper.
- Name Chop (Seal): Have a stone seal carved with your name (in English letters or translated into Chinese characters). A unique and personal souvenir.
- Notebooks: Gorgeous notebooks with covers featuring traditional patterns or designs from the Palace Museum's cultural创意 (creativity) line.
Where to Buy: Liulichang Cultural Street is the epicenter for all things related to traditional stationery.

Tea Sets

Chinese tea culture is profound. A tea set allows you to bring the ritual home.

What to look for: **Durability for travel**. Look for modern designs made from high-quality porcelain or ceramic that are less fragile. Many modern sets are designed for travel with protective casing.
Top Picks: A compact travel tea set that incorporates traditional elements like blue and white porcelain (青花瓷, Qinghuaci) patterns. A set for two is ideal.
Where to Buy: Specialty tea shops (like Wuyutai or Zhang Yiyuan), department stores, and the Gongmei Building.

III. Food & Drink

Beijing Specialty Pastries

Perfect for bringing a taste of Beijing to friends and family.

What to look for: Check expiration dates! Look for well-sealed, hygienic packaging.
Top Picks:
- Daoxiangcun's "Beijing Eight Delicacies" (京八件) Gift Box: A classic assortment of eight different traditional pastries. A beautiful and iconic gift.
- Lüdagun (驴打滚, "Donkey Rolling on the Dust"): Glutinous rice rolls with red bean paste, covered in soybean flour. Buy individual sealed packs.
- Fuling Jiabing (茯苓夹饼): Thin, delicate wafer-like cookies with a sweet filling. Light and easy to pack.
Where to Buy: Daoxiangcun (稻香村) old-brand shops are everywhere. Ensure you go to a legitimate store (look for the three-character Chinese name).

Premium Tea

What to look for: Beautifully packaged tins or gift boxes. Small individual cans are great for trying different types.
Top Brands & Picks:
- Wuyutai (吴裕泰) or Zhang Yiyuan (张一元): Both are century-old, reputable Beijing brands.
- Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶, Molihua Cha): The most iconic Beijing tea, known for its incredibly fragrant scent.
- Other Famous Teas: Longjing (Dragon Well) Green Tea, Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess) Oolong Tea.
Where to Buy: Flagship stores of Wuyutai or Zhang Yiyuan, located on major shopping streets like Wangfujing and Dashilan.

IV. Fashion & Cultural Creative Products

Modern, trendy, and design-focused items that celebrate Chinese culture.

Palace Museum Cultural Creative Products (故宫文创)

This is arguably the hottest trend in Chinese souvenirs. The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) has created a wildly successful line of products that are creative, fun, and stylish, breaking all stereotypes of boring museum gifts.

What to look for: Innovative designs that cleverly reinterpret imperial artifacts.
Top Picks:
- Phoenix Crown Magnet: A detailed fridge magnet replica of an empress's magnificent phoenix crown. An absolute bestseller.
- Butterfly Scented Cream: Housed in a exquisite replica of a Qing-dynasty butterfly box. The butterfly is a symbol of happiness and good fortune.
- Twelve Flower Goddesses Pocket Mirror: A beautifully designed compact mirror where each flower represents a month and a specific virtue or blessing.
Where to Buy: The故宫文创 (Palace Museum Cultural Creative) shops inside the Forbidden City itself (multiple locations). Also, the dedicated "故宫文创馆 (Palace Museum Cultural Creation Hall)" near Wangfujing.

Modern Apparel with Chinese Designs

Fashion that subtly incorporates traditional elements.

What to look for: Good quality cotton, clean prints, and designs that are stylish, not kitschy.
Top Picks: High-quality T-shirts or hoodies featuring elegant prints of Chinese characters like "北京" (Beijing) or "福" (fortune), or minimalistic calligraphy strokes.
Where to Buy: Concept stores in shopping malls like Sanlitun Taikoo Li, Wangfujing APM, and some Palace Museum文创 shops.

Essential Tips for Beijing Souvenirs Shopping

Bargaining: Expected at markets like the Silk Market (Xiushui) or Panjiayuan Antique Market. Not acceptable in department stores, laozihao shops, or museum stores. Always negotiate politely with a smile.
Cash vs. Card: While Alipay/WeChat Pay are king, having some cash (RMB) is useful for smaller vendors and markets. International cards are accepted in larger stores and malls.
Authenticity: For high-value items like Cloisonné or jade, buy from reputable stores (Gongmei, Ruifuxiang, etc.) to avoid fakes. Receipts are your proof of purchase.
Packaging: Many stores offer beautiful gift packaging, sometimes for a small fee. It's worth it for special gifts.
Transport: Keep fragile items like Cloisonné or tea sets in your carry-on luggage. Pack them wrapped in clothing for padding.

Recommended Itineraries: Combining Sightseeing withShopping

Route 1: The Traditionalist's Day

Morning: Explore the Forbidden City. Immerse yourself in imperial history.
Afternoon: Shop at the Palace Museum文创 shops inside for your trendy souvenirs. Afterwards, walk east to Wangfujing Street. Visit the Gongmei Building for Cloisonné, snuff bottles, and high-quality crafts.
Evening: Stroll down Wangfujing Snack Street (for the experience, not necessarily the food) and explore the main pedestrian mall.

Route 2: The Culture Connoisseur's Day

Morning: Dive into the artistic heart of Beijing at Liulichang Cultural Street. Browse traditional stationery shops, snuff bottle artisans, and antique stores.
Afternoon: Head south to Dashilan Street. Shop for silk at the historic Ruifuxiang and buy tea at Zhang Yiyuan or Wuyutai flagship stores. Explore the lively hutongs nearby.
Evening: Catch a Peking Opera performance at the Liyuan Theatre to see the magnificent Lianpu masks come to life.

Route 3: The Modern Explorer's Day

Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where locals practice Tai Chi and other traditions.
Afternoon: Experience contemporary Beijing in Sanlitun. Shop for modern Chinese designer apparel and unique concept stores.
Evening: Enjoy the nightlife and dining options in the Sanlitun area.

Further Reading about Beijing Shopping

1.2025 Beijing Shopping Guide: Best Markets & Bargain Tips for Travelers

2.The 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Beijing

3.Tax Refund in Beijing

Happy shopping, and may you bring home wonderful memories and treasures from China's incredible capital!

Beijing Souvenirs: What to Buy & Where to Find (2025)

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