When I was visiting the second floor of Baigong Handicraft Museum, the small shop specializing in handmade mini-vehicles lured me in.

Handmade mini-vehicle is an original creation produced by Beijing artisans. Their products have more than 50 designs classified in 9 categories, such as mini-bicycle, tricycle, rickshaw, and carriage. The miniature vehicles are elaborately made, and all the wheels can roll or fold. Some of the products have acquired national patents.

You can easily see the deft skill and tasteful design looking at the various showcased miniature vehicles. A racing bicycle was about 8 cm long, and could be pushed and pulled like a real bike. The shop assistant told me it cost RMB 20, which is very affordable.

Not all models are as simple as the bicycle. A rickshaw model, for example, had a red calash and looked exactly like they appear in old movies, and intricate down to the last detail. This one is priced at RMB 120.

What I appreciated

Hand-crafted miniature vehicles

What customers appreciate

Mini-vehicles, excellent craftsmanship