Beijing's best souvenirs (and where to find them!)

You don't have to be a tourist to scoop up Beijing's best mementos

Trying to capture a little slice of the capital? Whether you're here for a day or a decade, there's always room for some more Beijing style, old and new, in your life.

For your home

Decorate your walls with a bit of old Beijing with beautiful and rare original maps from Beijing Postcards (this one costs 650RMB framed). Just up the alley, Ubi Gallery stocks jewellery and ceramics from contemporary Chinese artists, like these teacups from Atelier Murmur (130RMB each). After a sampling session in the Dongsi hutongs, scoop up a baijiu kit stocked with four of China’s most famous brands, courtesy of Capital Spirits (260RMB).

For your kitchen

Outfit your kitchen with gear that’ll remind you of your favourite Beijing meals, like cheeky kitchen towels (110RMB) from Pinyin Press or a heavy-duty cleaver from time-honoured brand Wang Mazi (from 98RMB) – just don’t gift the knife, it’s bad luck! Don’t forget the sauces and spices: pick up a couple of jars of Laoganma and staple Chinese seasonings like chilli peppers, Sichuan peppercorn and star anise from any market or grocery store around town for about 10RMB each. Store it all in a handwoven rice basket (880RMB) from Meishuguan Houjie shop Wuyong Living Space.

For your closet

Stop by Neiliansheng for a pair of Beijing slippers (from 300RMB) that have been hand-made using the same techniques since emperors were still living in the Forbidden City. For modern pieces from the country’s top emerging and established designers, (like this silk top from Xiamen-based Ms Min) head to multi-brand boutique Dongliang. Inject a bit of Beijing’s casual coolness to your wardrobe with colourful earrings from local brand Oysterkiss (search 'OysterKiss' on WeChat). Finally, head to children’s outfitter Tang’ Roulou for the best and brightest in Beijing micro-fashion (from 460RMB).

For Beijing crafts

On breezy days, Beijing’s parks are dotted with colourful kites flying in the wind – pick up a butterfly, fish or insect for yourself from family-run Three Stones Kite Company (hand-painted paper kites from 150RMB). Local T-shirt company Plastered 8 makes apparel, tote bags and other goodies with humorous references to Beijing. At Wangfujing gift market Gem City, prices may be high for jade and jewellery of questionable authenticity, but with a sweep through the market you’ll be able to round up Beijing crafts like bright hand-painted Peking Opera masks (90RMB each) and calligraphy brushes (from 30RMB) to practise your characters.

Hit '阅读原文' for more information on where to buy these goodies.

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