Liulichang

[1] According to local tradition, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Liulichang was a favourite haunt for scholars, painters, and calligraphers who gathered there to write, compile, and purchase books, as well as to paint and compose poetry.

By the Kangxi era (1661–1722) of the Qing dynasty, Liulichang had become one of the most flourishing cultural centres in all of Beijing.

[2] Large-scale renovations in modern times have transformed Liulichang into an antique market that resembles a Chinese village.

Shops located on the street have a variety of Chinese folk arts such as paintings, calligraphy, pottery, carpets, vases, books, scrolls, and chops.

Today the street is a mixture of state-run and privately owned shops, and customers are recommended to bargain before making purchases.