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At a glance: Liulichang is a short historic-cultural shopping street in Xicheng District, south of Hepingmen. Search “琉璃厂文化街” and save the exact shop or east/west segment, because a general street pin is not enough for a collection appointment or step-free drop-off. Beijing's official visitor information describes the street as roughly 800 metres; walking time depends more on browsing and crossings than distance.
Best for: Books, calligraphy supplies, seals, paper, ink, paintings and learning how Beijing's traditional cultural trade works. Travelers focused on collectables should compare this district with the Beijing antique-market guide; “antique,” “old,” “studio work” and “reproduction” are different claims and should never be treated as synonyms.
Reviewed August 28, 2026. Liulichang is valuable because it connects a documented publishing and scholarly-commercial history with active cultural businesses. It is not a frozen Qing street, and a traditional façade does not prove the age or authenticity of stock inside. Current district planning and festival programs show that the area continues to evolve, so verify exhibitions, demonstrations, opening hours and temporary access through official or shop channels. Liulichang Street Beijing: History, Buying and Visit Guide History and evidence boundary: the street name is associated with glazed-tile production in the wider area, while its later reputation grew through books, scholarship, calligraphy, painting and related trades. Today, established names such as China Bookstore and Rongbaozhai remain part of the cultural landscape, but no shop name removes the need to evaluate a specific object. Use dated museum, district or shop documentation for history; treat a seller's age, artist, dynasty or ownership story as a commercial claim until written provenance supports it.
How to walk it: begin at one end, scan both sides and note candidates before buying. Eastern and western segments, side lanes and individual courtyards can feel different, but tenant mix changes. A focused 60–90 minute visit is realistic for supplies or books; allow two hours if discussing a painting, seal or collectable. Some thresholds, narrow interiors and upper floors limit access. Ask the target shop about a step-free entrance, lift and accessible toilet before traveling, and avoid assuming the historic frontage is the only entrance.
Buying decision matrix: for paper, brushes, ink or inkstones, ask about material, size, maker, intended use and care; a beginner's practical tool may be more useful than a decorative “master” line. For modern calligraphy or painting, request the artist's name, work title, medium, dimensions, date, invoice and any gallery documentation. For books or rubbings, inspect edition information, condition, completeness and reproduction status. For objects sold as old, rare or excavated, pause: price and appearance are not provenance.
Authenticity and legal limits: a certificate issued only by the seller is evidence of what the seller claims, not an independent guarantee. Ask who authenticated the object, by what method, whether the opinion can be checked, and what remedy is written if the description proves false. Beijing cultural-relics authorities require lawful records and regulate market activity, while China's Cultural Relics Protection Law restricts illicit trading. Never buy an object said to be recently excavated, stolen, smuggled or from an unknown tomb; do not accept an invitation to keep the transaction off the invoice.
Export rule: carrying or mailing a cultural relic out of China can require official exit examination and a declaration mark. A seller's verbal assurance is not customs clearance. If an object's age or status could trigger the rule, use the national government service guidance, obtain documents before payment and allow time for review. When the process is unclear, choose a contemporary, clearly labeled work instead. Beijing overview . Use that city guide to place Liulichang beside nearby historic areas without turning one day into repeated cross-city transfers.
Getting there: Hepingmen on Beijing Subway Line 2 is a useful official planning reference. Recheck live service, exit, lift status and the final crossing on the day; do not rely on a dated exit letter or route list. Taxi and ride-hailing users should save the Chinese street name plus the shop number. Pavements can be busy with deliveries and bicycles, so stand aside before checking a map.
What to buy—and what to leave: contemporary paper, brushes, seals and clearly attributed prints are easier to understand and transport than an alleged antique. If ordering a carved seal, confirm the stone or synthetic material, exact characters, layout, completion time and refund rule for spelling errors. Avoid ivory, rhino horn, tortoiseshell, protected timber or wildlife products. For higher-value purchases, pay through a traceable channel and keep photos of the object, invoice and seller details.
Price and comparison rule: compare at least two like-for-like items, including dimensions, material, artist or maker and condition. Bargaining norms vary by business; ask politely whether the displayed price is final instead of assuming a large discount. Restoration, mounting, frames and shipping can cost more than expected, so request an itemized total and destination-safe packing. For broader district alternatives and conventional retail, see the Beijing shopping guide.
Liulichang visit checklist: inspect in neutral light, ask before touching paper or unrolling a work, and request permission before photographing stock or artisans. Keep food and drinks away from books and paintings. Record condition before packing, avoid folding works not designed to be folded, and ask how humidity affects paper, ink, seals or mounting. A useful invoice identifies the seller, date, object, price and material or authorship claim; a generic card receipt is not enough for a disputed description. Families should supervise children in compact shops, and travelers with allergies should note that incense, dust and old paper can irritate sensitive airways. Current exhibitions, festivals, demonstrations and shop hours are variable, so confirm them rather than promising a permanent performance. The best Liulichang purchase is one whose purpose, maker, material, legal status, care and total cost you understand—not the item with the most dramatic sales story.
Liulichang derives its name from the Chinese for “Colored Glaze Factory”. According to local stories, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties it was much like bohemian haunts in modern cities, where visiting scholars, painters and calligraphers liked to congregate to engage in poetry, painting and writing, with book-sellers and shops selling the four treasures of the ancient scholar (paper, ink brushes, ink stones and ink stamps, also known as chops) opening shops to serve this market. Sellers of antiques, paintings and calligraphy also opened shops within the street so that by the reign of the Qing emperor Kangxi the area had grown into a flourishing cultural centre.
The China Bookstore, Rongbaozhai, and Jiguge are the most famous antique stores in Liulichang. The China Bookstore enjoys a reputation of being the place in Beijing to find second-hand foreign language books. If you enjoy browsing for your purchases, you are in the right place here. Literature, psychology, engineering, history, cookbooks in any language will be found cohabiting the same shelf. There are some rare books among the selection, but you'll need to know what you want and be patient in your search to walk out with a real bargain.
Those who love antiques or arts and crafts will find it an ideal place to shop, and those who are not planning on spending money may also find it worth going to have a look at the street itself.
Along the street, peddlers hawk snacks, groceries, toys, copper coins; all kind of small commodities. Merchants race to their doors with a welcoming “Ni hao, Ni hao.” for all their customers, but they particularly strive to attract any foreigners' attention.
Some offer free seal-carving services and they can even find a perfect Chinese name for you if you like.
For the visitor interested in traditional Chinese art or the four treasures of the ancient scholar, Liulichang Culture Street is an absolute must-see!
Four Treasures of the Study (Brush, Ink, Paper, Inkstone)
Daiyuexuan‘s （戴月轩）Huzhou brushes are suitable for calligraphy and painting enthusiasts; family-run brush-making workshops such as Yihong Brush Studio（怡弘笔庄） and Wu Yunhui Brush Studio（吴云辉笔庄） offer affordable prices and high quality, which are suitable for beginners. Yidege‘s（一得阁） ink is a classic choice, and its ink-making technique is a national-level intangible cultural heritage. In addition, you can also try Yidege's ink cakes and ink pads. Shops such as Rongbaozhai（荣宝斋） and Qingmige（清秘阁） provide various calligraphy and painting papers, such as rice paper and silk paper, which can be selected according to your needs.
Cultural & Creative Products (Great Souvenirs)
Besides traditional art supplies, many time-honored brands on Liulichang Street now offer cultural and creative products that are easier to carry and perfect as souvenirs. Shops like Rongbaozhai, the China Bookstore, and Daiyuexuan sell creative items inspired by traditional culture, such as notebooks, bookmarks, desk ornaments, calligraphy-themed fridge magnets, woodblock-print bookmarks, and tea or zisha pottery gift sets. These items combine traditional aesthetics with modern design and are popular with foreign visitors.
On Liulichang East Street, smaller shops sell classic Beijing folk crafts, including Tu'er Ye (clay rabbit figurines), wool monkey dolls, and paper-cut artworks. These colorful handmade items reflect local folk culture and are charming keepsakes from Beijing.
Attention to Price and Quality
Prices at Liulichang vary widely, ranging from inexpensive stationery and souvenirs to high-end collectibles and artworks. It is recommended to compare prices and quality between different shops before making a purchase. For antiques, paintings, and calligraphy pieces, having some basic background knowledge is helpful. If you are seriously interested in collecting, joining a professional guided tour or visiting with an expert can greatly improve your understanding and overall experience.
1. Start at Liulichang East Street – China Bookstore
Begin your visit at the eastern entrance. The China Bookstore is the largest and most famous old bookshop in Beijing. Inside, you will find ancient books, classical texts, calligraphy rubbings, stone inscriptions, and rare printed editions. Even if you don't plan to buy, it's worth visiting just to see the impressive collection.
2. Walk Along East Street – Jiguge & Four Treasures Shops
Continue walking west along the street and stop by Jiguge, a historic shop with a strong scholarly atmosphere. Along the way, you'll find many stores selling the “Four Treasures of the Study”: brushes, ink, paper, and ink stones. Well-known shops such as Yidege (famous for traditional Chinese ink) and Daiyuexuan (known for Huzhou-style brushes) allow visitors to watch traditional craftsmanship and learn how these tools are made.
3. Cross the Pedestrian Bridge
As you cross the pedestrian bridge connecting the east and west sections, look up to see the “Liulichang” plaque written by a late Qing Dynasty calligrapher. This spot offers a nice contrast between old Beijing culture and the modern city around it.
4. West Street Highlight – Rongbaozhai
Arriving at West Street, the most important stop is Rongbaozhai, the most iconic store on Liulichang. It is famous for traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and woodblock watermark prints. You can visit the gallery, printing studio, and exhibition spaces to see high-quality artworks.
5. Explore More Antique Shops
Continue walking along West Street to explore other well-known shops such as Huaiyin Shanfang, Rugu Zhai, and Guyi Zhai. These stores specialize in antique paintings, calligraphy, seals, and traditional art pieces.
Because the street is located in central Beijing, it can be easily combined with visits to nearby attractions such as Qianmen Street, Dashilan, or the Temple of Heaven.
From on request
From $ 306
From on request
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Hu Lei, CEO. The named owner is responsible for travel-planning accuracy and escalation of time-sensitive checks.
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