Are You Attracted by Chinese Folk Arts?

With typical traditional Chinese style facade, Huacaizhou is a shop which offers traditional Chinese handicrafts near drum tower.

The shop is a colorful, soothing world, with numerous Chinese folk art items on display.

Near the window display, I noticed a host of exquisite Peking Opera character puppets, paper-cuts, and decorative items in Chinese ethnic style.

Others attract my attention are those hand-made Piying (皮影) artworks. These hand-made puppets can not only be enjoyed as beautiful artworks, but also used in shadow theater plays. They are made of leather, and one of Beijing’s essential handcrafts. The prices range from RMB 150 to RMB 500 a pop.
 
Huacaizhou also offers customized works. Like the furry monkey. The shop owner, Mr Xie is a master of the art. He told me the body of the monkey is made by the cicada slough, while the furry part is made by the seeds from yulan. Both are traditional Chinese medicine. For Mr Xie, the most difficult part is the tool-making. Monkeys carry wood items like fans, drums, and football. Because they are very small, it was hard to cut the wood into the correct shape.

“I can make a furry monkey with different themes upon a customer’s request. It usually takes me 10 to 15 days to complete.” Mr Xie added.

Talking about his experience, Mr Xie said he came up with the idea to open this shop because his wife and he had a crush on Chinese folk arts. They started their business together in 2005. Since then, they received more and more customers, especially foreigners.

Overall, prices in the shop range from RMB 15 to RMB 1000. You can bargain with the shop owner in English.

What I appreciate:
Unique handcrafts

What customer appreciate:
Large selection, traditional feel