Souvenirs in Beijing to Buy While on Tour
Do you want something memorable from your tour to Beijing? Collect some souvenirs in Beijing to help you remind you of your Beijing tour. But there are various kinds of souvenirs in Beijing, many choices, and lots of things you may want to buy. WindhorseTour, your China travel agency, suggests the 5 gifts to buy in your Beijing shopping which are included in the following list:
Zhongguojie (Chinese Knots)
Zhongguojie also literally known as Chinese Knots (中国结, Zhōng Guó Jié), it's a decorative handicraft art with all kinds of styles. It's a symbol for people wishing their good health and happiness all year round. It's easy to tie on your clothes or bags is beautiful and also brings a good luck charm also prays for you. The Chinese knots originated from the Tang and Song Dynasties in China and are still popular. A long time ago, the Chinese knots were endued with legal meaning, so now knots are respected by the Chinese. Furthermore, this is one of the top popular souvenirs in Beijing at home and abroad.
Where to Buy Chinese Knots in Beijing
Panjiayuan Antique Market
For those seeking authentic and vintage Chinese knots, Panjiayuan Antique Market is a treasure trove. Often referred to as the "weekend market," it's Beijing's largest and most renowned market for antiques and crafts. Here, amidst the myriad of stalls, you can find a rich collection of Chinese knots, ranging from simple designs to intricate, multi-layered creations. These knots are not just decorative items but carry deep symbolic meanings, representing luck, prosperity, and the harmonious unity of all things.
Liulichang Culture Street
Liulichang Street is a historic area known for its traditional Chinese stone dwellings, which house an array of shops selling cultural and artistic items. Alongside antique books, calligraphy, paintings, and other handicrafts, you can find beautifully crafted Chinese knots. The street offers a cultural ambiance that enhances the shopping experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the traditional aesthetics of Chinese art and craft.
Shopping Tips
How to Identify Quality
Material: High-quality Chinese knots are usually made from silk or satin, offering a subtle sheen and smooth texture. The material should be robust and colorfast, ensuring the knot maintains its beauty over time.
Craftsmanship: Examine the tightness and uniformity of the weave. The patterns should be symmetrical, and the structure of the knot should be firm and well-shaped, without any loose ends or fraying threads.
Color Vibrancy: The colors of the knots should be vivid and well-dyed, representing the traditional color symbolism in Chinese culture. Faded colors might indicate poor quality or age.
Bargaining Tips
Do Your Research: Before you go shopping, familiarize yourself with the types of knots and their typical prices. Having this knowledge can give you more confidence in negotiating.
Start Low: When bargaining, it's customary to start at a lower price than what you're willing to pay. Sellers usually expect this and price their items accordingly.
Be Polite but Firm: Maintain a friendly demeanor but be firm in your negotiation. Show interest in the product but also a willingness to walk away if the price isn't right.
Use the Power of Competition: Let the sellers know you are looking at similar items in other stalls or shops. They might offer a better price to secure the sale.
Peking Opera Masks
Peking Opera Masks ( Jīng Jù Miàn Jù, 京剧面具), it looks dramatical art of facial make-up in Beijing Opera for a long history. When actors perform and dance, the masks are used by them. In Beijing Opera, "Jin" and "Chou" are the most represented in Chinese opera. It's convenient to choose which one you need to buy: the mask of "Chou" featured in white nose highlighted in the face. Also the masks of "Jin" has different patterns, such as: "whole face", "quartered face" and "six-division face". Travelers can't stop their excitement wearing these masks during their Beijing shopping.
Best Places to Purchase Peking Opera Masks
Dashilan Street
Renowned for its rich history and traditional Chinese architecture, Dashilan Street is the go-to place for authentic Peking Opera Masks. Here, you'll find shops that have been crafting these masks for generations, offering both ready-made options and the possibility for custom, handmade pieces.
Donghuamen Night Market
For those who prefer a more bustling shopping experience, the Donghuamen Night Market offers an array of stalls selling Peking Opera Masks. This lively market not only provides a wide variety of masks but also immerses you in the local culture, allowing you to enjoy delicious street food and live performances as you shop.
Buyer's Guide
Understanding the Meaning Behind Colors and Patterns
Before purchasing a mask, it's crucial to understand the symbolism behind the colors and patterns. This knowledge will not only enrich your appreciation of the art but also help you choose a mask that resonates with your personal story or the message you wish to convey if it's a gift.
Tips for Handling and Caring for the Masks
Handling: Always hold the masks by the edges to avoid smudging the delicate artwork.
Displaying: If displaying the mask, keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading.
Cleaning: Dust it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning agents, as they can damage the mask's materials and colors.
Storage: When not displayed, store the mask in a dry, cool place to prevent damage from humidity and temperature changes.
Er Guo Tou
Er Guo Tou ( èr Guō Toú, 二锅头), it is a typical type of Chinese liquor which is also called Chinese vodka. Perhaps the cheapest gift but it is a part of China like the Great Wall. It's made from sorghum and has an alcohol content of 56% volume, also it is a type of Baijiu (distilled liquor). Beijing residents popularly drink it which is easy to buy. As part of Beijing culture, Er Guo Tou was listed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China in 2008.
Zhongguojie, Peking Opera Masks, and Er Guo Tou are the highly recommended souvenirs in Beijing to collect in your Beijing shopping list. Don't forget to negotiate the price and ask your guide for help. To get more Beijing travel information, please look at WindhorseTour Beijing Highlights 4 Day Tour.
Where to Find Er Guo Tou in Beijing
Here's where you can find authentic Er Guo Tou in Beijing:
Niujie Muslim Supermarket
Located in the heart of Beijing's Muslim quarter, the Niujie Muslim Supermarket is renowned for its wide selection of alcohols, including some of the best Er Guo Tou. Here, you can find bottles of varying ages and brands, offering a genuine taste of this traditional spirit.
Baijiu Specialty Stores
For those seeking a premium selection of Er Guo Tou, visiting a baijiu specialty store is a must. These stores dedicate themselves to the art of Chinese liquors, offering high-quality, aged Er Guo Tou that is not commonly found in regular supermarkets. The staff are usually knowledgeable and can provide valuable insights into the different brands and their unique characteristics.
Purchasing Advice
How to Choose Quality Er Guo Tou
When selecting Er Guo Tou, consider the following:
Brand Reputation: Opt for brands with a long-standing history and positive reviews.
Alcohol Content: Traditional Er Guo Tou has a high alcohol content, usually around 56%. However, there are milder versions available.
Clarity: Quality Er Guo Tou should be crystal clear with no sediments.
Aroma: A well-made Er Guo Tou has a distinct, clean aroma. Avoid bottles with an overly harsh or chemical smell.
Packaging: Ensure the seal is intact and the packaging is professional, as this can be a sign of authenticity and quality.
Legal Considerations for Transporting Alcohol Internationally
If you're planning to bring Er Guo Tou back home, it's crucial to be aware of the legal considerations:
Customs Regulations: Check your home country's customs regulations regarding alcohol importation. Most countries have a limit on the amount of alcohol you can bring in without paying duties.
Declaration: Always declare the alcohol at customs. Failure to do so might result in fines or confiscation of the bottles.
Packaging for Travel: Ensure the bottles are securely wrapped and packed to prevent breakage during your journey. Many airports offer specialized packaging for alcoholic beverages.
Age Restriction: Verify the legal drinking age in your home country, as you might be required to prove your age when passing through customs.
Silk Products
Silk is one of the most buy souvenirs in Beijing. The silk is a symbol of its rich and ancient culture, representing luxury, elegance, and even the bridging of cultures along the Silk Road. This natural fiber, produced by silkworms, was historically reserved for the elite and the imperial family, and it played a crucial role in China's interactions with the world through trade. The art of sericulture and silk weaving is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Silk Shopping Destinations in Beijing
Silk Market
The Silk Market in Beijing is an iconic shopping destination, offering a vast array of silk products, from clothing to home decor. It's the modern face of the age-old silk trade in China, where the blend of tradition and contemporary styles is evident. Shoppers can find everything from high-end silk garments to affordable souvenirs, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to own a piece of Chinese heritage.
Yashow Market
Yashow Market is another popular spot, known for its variety of silk clothing and accessories. It caters to those looking for tailor-made items, offering custom fittings and a personal touch to your silk purchases. The market's vibrant atmosphere and diverse selection make it a favored destination for both locals and tourists.
Tips for Buying Silk
How to Distinguish Real Silk from Fake
Texture Test: Real silk is smooth to the touch, with a soft texture that is not slippery.
Luster: Genuine silk has a unique sheen, with colors that shift when viewed from different angles.
Ring Test: Real silk can easily pass through a ring due to its natural elasticity and flexibility, while synthetic fabrics will bunch up or fold.
Burn Test (with caution): When a small thread of silk is burned, it should smell like burnt hair and leave a powdery ash, not a plastic-like residue.
Care Instructions for Silk Products
Washing: Hand wash silk items in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
Drying: Lay the silk item flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to gently extract excess water. Then, unroll and air dry away from direct sunlight.
Ironing: If necessary, iron silk on a low heat setting or use a cloth between the silk and the iron to avoid direct contact.
Storage: Store silk products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use breathable garment bags to avoid trapping moisture, which can lead to damage.
Tea and Tea Sets
One of the famous souvenirs in Beijing is Chinese tea. Chinese tea is not just a beverage; it's a cornerstone of culture, health, and social ritual. The most renowned types include:
Green Tea (绿茶 lǜchá): Known for its delicate flavor and health benefits, green tea symbolizes purity and is often used in traditional ceremonies.
Oolong Tea (乌龙茶 wūlóngchá): A semi-fermented tea that strikes a balance between green and black teas. It's celebrated for its rich taste and aromatic fragrance.
Black Tea (红茶 hóngchá): Fully fermented tea, known for its bold flavor and long shelf life. It represents strength and is believed to aid digestion.
White Tea (白茶 báichá): The least processed tea, known for its subtlety, complexity, and natural sweetness. It's often associated with purity and elegance.
Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶 pǔ'ěrchá): Aged and fermented tea, highly prized for its depth of flavor and potential health benefits, including aiding weight loss and improving digestion.
Each type of tea offers a unique flavor profile, brewing technique, and cultural significance, making the tea-drinking experience richly diverse and deeply rooted in tradition.
Where to Buy Tea and Tea Sets
Maliandao Tea Street
Maliandao Tea Street is the ultimate destination for tea enthusiasts. This sprawling tea market is lined with hundreds of shops selling a vast variety of teas and tea sets. Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Maliandao offers an immersive experience, with shopkeepers often inviting you to sit down for a tea-tasting session.
Lao She Teahouse
Named after the famous Chinese playwright and novelist, Lao She, this teahouse is more than just a place to buy tea; it's an experience. While offering high-quality teas and exquisite tea sets, Lao She Teahouse also provides a cultural feast, with regular performances of traditional Chinese music and Peking opera.
Tea Buying Tips
Understanding Different Tea Grades
Whole Leaf Grades: These are the highest quality, with the tea leaves being fully intact, providing a richer and more nuanced flavor.
Broken Leaf Grades: These teas are a mix of smaller leaf pieces and offer a strong flavor, often resulting in a darker brew.
Fannings and Dust: The smallest particles, often used in tea bags, which brew quickly but generally offer a less complex flavor.
Tips for Storing and Brewing Chinese Tea
Storage: Keep tea in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and odors. Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Brewing: Each type of tea requires a specific water temperature and steeping time to fully release its unique flavors and aromas. Generally, green and white teas need cooler water (around 70-80°C) and shorter brewing times, while black and oolong teas can handle near-boiling temperatures and longer steeping.
Water Quality: Use fresh, filtered water for brewing, as the quality of water significantly affects the taste of the tea.
Teaware: Invest in a good tea set, preferably made of materials like porcelain or clay, which don't alter the taste of tea.
Embracing these tips will enhance your appreciation of the rich tapestry of Chinese tea culture, allowing each sip to be not just a drink, but a journey through the flavors and traditions of China.
We hope that these 5 Souvenirs in Beijing to buy while on tour, help you to choose which one you will have on your way home. By buying souvenirs you are buying history, tradition, culture, and memories, and that makes your whole tour complete because every time you see them in your home you will remember the time spent in beautiful Beijing in China.