Panjiayuan is an antique-lover’s paradise. It’s one of the largest and most popular antique markets in China, and you’ll find all sorts of Chinese antiques/vintage wares, furniture, and arts & crafts. It boasts over three thousand individual stalls with a wide variety of items ranging from vintage toys to telescopes to terra cotta statues. There’s some pretty kitschy stuff, like the Mao action figures and also a lot of really lovely pieces too. I loved walking around getting a glimpse of what each stall owner had collected over lifetime. Some of them were so well-curated, I wanted to buy the whole stall! I didn’t pick up any souvenirs this time, but will be sure to go back before I leave Beijing.
It can get quite hot in Beijing during the summer months, so you’ll often find Chinese men walking around with their shirts rolled up halfway. I was rather disturbed and annoyed how often they showed up in my photos. :P
These are walnuts. The Chinese extract the seeds, wash and polish them, then carve them into beautiful works of art.
Ancient Chinese money. I think they’d make fabulous necklace pendants.
Beautiful vintage suitcases.
Toys!
Little E came along for the ride. He’s got four teeth sprouting already. :)
If you’re ever in Beijing, be sure to check out Panjiayuan Market!
Panjiayuan Market
No.18 Huaweili, Panjiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Wow — looks amazing. Lovely photos. I want some of those beads…they’re beautiful!
Wow! Amazing photos – I love those vintage suitcases!
When I lived in Beijing twelve years ago, we used to go there a lot- it was a treasure trove. My younger brother once bought a four foot long tin battleship there. For some reason, I think it also used to be known as “The Ghost Market”. Thank you for sharing your photos and bringing me back there!
Amazing pictures! I lived in Kunming for a while one year ago, and your pictures make me miss being there! If I get to go to Beijing in the future I will try to check this market out! Looks fun!