Description: The Hongqiao Antique Market was the best market I went to in Beijing. Located at the north eastern end of Tiantan Park, the market is out of the way of most tourist traffic. However, this was probably a plus - the atmosphere was calm and peaceful and the stall holders were certainly less aggressive than at the Xiushui Silk Market. The Hongqiao Market was also larger than the Xiushui Silk Market and concentrated more on antiques and traditional Chinese souvenirs, rather than clothing.
Like all other markets, bargaining is a must! Despite the fact that nobody spoke English, I managed to negotiate by using hand signals and patience. In fact, half the fun of bargaining is trying to do it without speaking a common language!
I bought some of my favorite things at this market – strings of freshwater pearls (for less than US$4), a finely embroidered silk tapestry, a jade dragon, and some tiny turtles carved from stone. The turtles were less than 10 cents each. When I got home I made them into a bracelet using some copper wire. It’s now one of my favorite pieces of jewelry and, at less than a dollar, it's certainly one of the cheapest!
The markets also had sections selling flowers, and a range of fabulous birds, fish, and lizards. These creatures were far more exotic than I’ve seen in my local pet store, but secretly I was a little glad that none of them would fit in my luggage.
Apparently now there is now also a department store across the road that also sells more antiques, electronic equipment, clothing and cultural revolution kitsch. If I was to go back, I would definitely get myself a copy of Mao’s little red book.
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