Beijing's Massive Antique Street à la London's Portobello Market

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My love of antiquing began on a short trip to London during my college days. While the rest of the group spent their free time taking advantage of Brittan’s less puritanical view on teen drinking, I roamed the city in search of adventures to record in my Travel Journal. One afternoon I decided to check out Portobello Market, which gained international fame when Angela Lansbury sang about it in the movie Bed Knobs and Broomsticks (it holds up, watch it with your kids!).

Five feet into the rows of run-down shops filled with dusty books, crates of old keys, and salvaged door knockers I was in love! Ever since I have been a constant presence at yard sales, weekend markets, vintage stores, and occasionally the most fashionable dumpsters.

Vivienne Tseng-Rush

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So, imagine my delight when I heard Beijing has a massive antique street of its own. I spent several hours roaming the main thoroughfare and ducking into unassuming shops with Jingkids editor Vivian Tseng-Rush and our friend Annie Markway. Despite how long we spent there, we hardly even scratched the surface of all there is to see. Imagine a series of the coolest, most eclectic attics filled with pottery, salvaged ancient carvings, furniture (both modern and vintage), and art from all over the world. I was in heaven and I will be back!

ANTIQUES

Curious about the curios? Check out this short video from our day!

To find the antique street, search 高碑店古典家具街 or 209 Gaobeidian Gujiajuya Aly Street.

Images: Pexels

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