East Liulichang Street

Things can’t be left unfinished halfway through. I wrote about West Liulichang Street. I could not avoid visiting East Liulichang Street to complete the picture.

The entrance area of East Liulichang Street is crowded with automobiles. In my opinion, cars and traditional architecture don’t mesh well together, and the clutter lacks harmony. On a more joyous note, several rickshaw pullers wait for patrons there. This is a reminder of ancient China.

The first shop to attract your attention is Ji Gu Pavilion, a three-storey traditional building. Two stone lions keep guard on each side of the main entrance.

The first floor of the Pavilion displays the Chinese four treasures of study, as well as antiques, porcelains, silk, rugs, Chinese paintings and handicrafts. I noticed some leaves and feathers with delicate paintings on each, priced at RMB 20 each.

On the second floor, an art exhibition was going on. In the western wing of the second floor, there is a teahouse where you can enjoy a cup of tea, or purchase tea things.

The third floor shelters the studio of a famous artist.

Other shops

In a narrow lane on the North side of the street, there is a cultural relic appraisal center named Guya. There you can have your antiques appraised for RMB 50 per item.

Dai Yue Xuan is a shop with a long history. It specializes in writing brushes, ink stones, China ink, rice paper, Shou Shan stone seals, and other calligraphy-related articles.

Towards the middle section of the street, on the North side, the Tian Fu Tea Shop carries jasmine tea, green tea, black tea, oolong tea and pu’er tea.

As I was strolling along, I became suddenly aware of a Buddhist music melody. I turned into the direction the music was coming from, and it turned out to be coming from Ping Gu Zhai, a shop specializing in selling Tibetan ornaments, jewelry and clothes. An attractive and mysterious atmosphere permeated the place.

The other section of the street counts several small curio shops. The owners are warmer and friendlier than the employees of large shops, and prices here are much lower as well.

May you find out some treasures at low prices. Good luck!