How About Wearing a Pair of Traditional Chinese Shoes?

Neiliansheng (内联升) is a famous maker of traditional Chinese shoes in Beijing. One shop located near Gulou (鼓楼) offers exquisite hand-made Chinese shoes of a high quality. Neiliansheng opened their first shop in 1853, during the Qing Dynasty.

Passing by this Neiliansheng shop, I could not help but visit it. Though it is a tiny shop, many traditional style shoes were displayed orderly on two tall shelves with three levels each.

On the left side, I found colorful silk shoes (绸缎面布鞋) and leather slippers. Traditional black cotton shoes were shown on the right side. Pairs of children shoes could be seen by the entrance door. An English introduction hung on the right side wall tells visitors why the brand is famous, shows them affluent customers (especially well-known country leaders), and summarizes the long history of the brand.

According to a middle-aged shop assistant, numerous foreigners come to their shop and show a strong interest in traditional Chinese shoes. Their hand-made models are manufactured in their own workshops in Beijing. The assistant recommended a pair of colorful silk shoes (RMB 176) mainly made in golden thread with a phoenix pattern.

Neiliansheng also offers high quality hand-made shoes for kids. I picked up a pair of red ones (RMB 61) for 0~3 year old kids. So cute! The shop assistant explained that patterns designed for children shoes are mainly Chinese zodiac animals. The newest models feature a lovely mouse design since we entered the year of the rat.

Prices for adults’ shoes range from RMB 150 to RMB 400, and for kids’ shoes from RMB 61 to RMB 100. Bargaining at Neiliansheng’s is not an option.

What I appreciated:

Cute children’s shoes, high quality

What customers appreciate:

Good fame, high quality