Beijing • Neighborhood
Liulichang Cultural Street
Liulichang Cultural Street is Beijing's historic center for traditional Chinese art, books, and calligraphy supplies. This restored Ming-era street is lined with shops selling scrolls, ink stones, seal stamps, rare books, and antique paintings.
Overview
Liulichang Cultural Street is Beijing's historic center for traditional Chinese art, books, and calligraphy supplies. This restored Ming-era street is lined with shops selling scrolls, ink stones, seal stamps, rare books, and antique paintings.
Highlights
- Rongbaozhai: The most famous art shop in China, operating since 1672, specializing in woodblock watercolor prints and calligraphy supplies.
- Seal Carving: Commission a personal name seal (chop) carved in stone while you watch — a quintessential Beijing souvenir.
- Antique Books: Browse shops stacked floor-to-ceiling with rare Chinese texts, maps, and historical documents.
History
The street takes its name from the glazed tile (liuli) kilns that operated here during the Yuan dynasty. By the Qing dynasty, it had evolved into Beijing's 'culture street,' attracting scholars, artists, and bibliophiles.
Visitor Tips
- Bargaining: Prices are negotiable at most shops — start at 40-50% of the asking price.
- Dashilar Connection: Just a short walk from Dashilar, easily combined for a full afternoon of old Beijing exploration.
- Duration: 45–60 minutes.