Liulichang

The Liulichang (琉璃厂) is a famous district in down-town Beijing that is known for a series of traditional Chinese stone dwellings housing that sells various craftwork, artistry, and antiques.

Its name "liulichang" came from during the time of Ming Dynasty when a renowned colored glaze factory (Liuli Chang in Chinese) was in production in the street, which made glazed tiles for the palaces, temples and residences of the officials. [ [http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/liuli.htm Travel China Guide] ]

According to local legend, during then Ming and Qing era, Liulichang was a favorite haunt for scholars, painters and calligraphers that gathered there to write, compile and purchase books, as well as to paint and compose poetry, and by the Kangxi period (1661-1722), Liulichang had become one of the most flourishing cultural centers in all of Beijing. [ [http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/beijing/30842.htm] ]

Large scale renovation in modern time, have transformed this place into an antique market that resembles a Chinese village. The many shops that located on the street are filled with a variety of Chinese folk arts such paintings, calligraphy, pottery, carpets, vases, books, scrolls and chops.

The street is a mixture of state-run and privately owned shops and customers are recommended by shop owners to bargain before making purchases. There are also traditional teahouses and wineshops, as well as many restaurants. [ [http://www.chinaetravel.com/attraction/att01f.html] ]

It is a popular destination for tourists (mainly foreign tourists) to Beijing who wish to experience the commercial aspect of popular Chinese folk artwork in Beijing without the bustling traffic.

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External links

* [http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/beijing/30842.htm Liulichang -- Antiques Street]