Located on Guloudongdajie, the shop Yi Bag offers cloth bags in modern and classical styles. Bag maker Xiao X personally creates all the products inside, and she describes the bags as pieces of canvas – "art on fabrics."

The modern bags at Yi Bag use a variety of materials to make, including rope, steel wire, branches, fragments of vases or metal, and even pieces of wood. The result is certainly something you don’t see often Classical bags are more traditional, inspired mostly from ancient Chinese works of art for design and materials. No matter the style, each bag has its own uniqueness and personality.

Prices vary according to the craftsmanship involved and materials used. Generally, they are quite affordable, ranging from RMB 80 to 580. Xiao X, the bag maker, speaks basic English. Simple conversation is no problem.

What I appreciate

Modern style handmade bags

What customers appreciate

The classic bags designed with inspiration from ancient Chinese art

Teemix is a Chinese brand which creates shoes and bags for boys and girls in their teens. Their style is casual. Basic models include loafers, sneakers, and slip-ons.

Cow hide and sheepskin are the main raw material used in their products. Girls’ shoes offer decorative patterns like the American flag and Chinese totems. Some bear metal accessories set with shiny synthetic crystals. According to a high-school girl I talked to in the shop, Teemix shoes look good with jeans. Boys’ shoes are simpler. Made in cow hide, they do not bear any decorative patterns.

Teemix also offer bags made of cloth and neoprene, backpacks, tote bags, and duffel bags.

Prices for girls’ shoes range from RMB 300 to RMB 500; boys’ shoes RMB 400-600, bags RMB 200-400.

What I appreciated:

Bags of a good quality

Customers appreciate:

Shoes which look great with jeans