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Many believe that there are two things a tourist must do when visiting the
City of Beijing: One is to climb the steepest segment of the Badaling Great
Wall, while the other is to enjoy the Beijing roast duck. It is not exaggerating
at all to say that nothing in the world is quite like a perfectly roasted
duck with brown crispy skin and tender as well as succulent meat. There
are at least dozens of restaurants that serve this famous dish, among them
Quanjude and Bianyifang are best known to the residents in Beijing.
Silk
Chinese silk was once considered as the national treasure. Its production
techniques have been carefully guarded secrets for most of the history.
In the ancient China, silk had been one of the most important items of trade.
One may a difficult time to believe but it is real that one small cocoon
can yield an incredible two kilometer long silk thread.
Ceramics and Porcelain
Seven thousand year ceramic and porcelain history in China has lasted to
the present day. They are still flourishing in the modern age. The Chinese
invented porcelain and kept its production procedure the secrets for many
centuries. They had once been one of the most favored trade items with the
Middle East and the West. A large number of ceramics and porcelains produced
in the ancient dynasties, especially collected by the imperial families,
have become the major antique items in China. Export of genuine antiques
is not allowed without special government permission. A special red wax
seal, however, does signify permission.
Chinese Medicine
The Chinese traditional medicine has a long history of over two thousand
years and it has become extremely popular throughout the world in recent
years. They could have miracle effects in the treatments of many difficult
diseases. They can also help to improve the human’s general health condition.
More than ninety percent of Chinese traditional medicines come from plants,
while other sources include mineral and animal origins.
Natural Pearls
Chinese freshwater pearls produced in southern China account for over ninety
percent of the world's total outputs. China's Hepu or South Sea pearls as
considered among the best cultured pearls and bear pretty high price tags.
Common pearl crafts and gifts include necklaces, bracelets, earrings
and pins, which come in a range of sizes and shapes as well as in many colors
or hues. It is advised that the Chinese freshwater pearls are significantly
different in value comparing to the Japanese Cultured Salt Water Pearl.
Hand Carved Jade Sculptures
The material most highly valued by the Chinese for carving smaller figures
and vessels has always been jade. The Chinese word for jade, Yu, refers
not only to the minerals nephrite and jadeite, but also means "precious",
"pure", and "noble" as well as "stone worthy of carving". Remember that
the only two minerals internationally accepted as jade are nephrite and
jadeite. Jade is difficult and time consuming to work as it is extremely
hard. You may want to make sure to get the genuine jade. A genuine jade
feels rather cold in hand and is very resistant to scratch with a pin.
Embroidery
Embroidery is one of the original folk arts of China. According to many
historical accounts, embroideries were added designs on dresses, skirts
and other clothing over four thousand years ago. The history of silk and
embroideries parallel as most embroideries have been done in silk threads.
Elaborate embroideries were added to imperial and court robes, the most
elaborate ones were done during the Qing Dynasty, but had been done since
the Yuan and Ming Dynasties.
Carpets
The carpet factories in Beijing make close woven fine wool carpets. Using
a specially designed knife or scissors tool they sometimes sculpt the various
patterns of the rug to accentuate the design. Silk carpets are made in other
areas of China, and these carpets can be sculpted as well, but not always.
The charm of the silk carpet is that it has one look, but when reversed
from end to end, the color hues change significantly adding to the beauty.
A silk carpet is the most luxurious of all.
Chops
A favorite purchase in China is buying a Chop, or personal seal, for yourself
or family
 and
friends. Many larger hotels provide this service and demonstration in their
lobby. A chop, rather than a signature, has been used on official documents
or for personal affairs for centuries in China.. From ancient imperial times
to modern government offices, the use of Chops in China has been very common.
Chops can be carved with many types of stone, jade, wood and metal. Some
Chops are very plain, others may have Chinese Zodiac figures making them
even more personal. Names are carved into either or both end of the Chop.
Carvers usually have a list of English names with their Chinese equivalent
for you to choose. It is important to purchase the small container of the
red ink paste to use with the chops.
Paintings and Calligraphy Scrolls
Chinese paintings and calligraphy, while not being framed, have traditionally
been affixed to scrolls. Landscape painting is the most highly regarded
subject for paintings in China. They and calligraphy works can be found
for sale all over Beijing varying in age, quality and price. Most come with
custom boxes making them fairly safe to transport.
Cloisonné
As one of the finest of traditional Chinese handicrafts, cloisonné was originated
in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty, but reached it's artistic peak during
the Ming Dynasty. Pieces that were created during that period are highly
appreciated by the collectors worldwide. Cloisonné is an enamel ware, in
which the different colors of the designs are separated
 by
thin metal strips on a metal base. The metal is usually bronze. The process
begins with the casting of bronze into a desired shape such as a vase, bracelet,
bowl or perhaps a box. A flat copper wire is then affixed in a decorative
pattern. Enamels of different colors are applied by brush to fill the 'cloisons',
or voids. Each piece is kiln baked three times with a new coat of enamel
added each time. After each baking, the pieces are ground and polished to
show a gold color tone.
Kites
A kite is a small inexpensive item but it can be an ideal gift or collection
as it to certain extent represent a particular type of the Chinese culture
and wisdom. The face of a typical Chinese kite is painted with classic or
traditional Chinese designs or patterns, making it a fun and collectible
item.
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Beijing
is undoubtedly one of the greatest places for shopping. Many have considered
Beijing as the "shopping paradise" in the world. As the capital city for
five dynasties in China, Beijing has been paved a solid cultural foundation;
within last decades, this city again enjoyed extremely fast economic growth.
These combined make Beijing the perfect capital for antique goods and
modern merchandise. Whether you are in Beijing for business or for
a leisure tour, whether you want to grab couple items for gifts or wish
to add something to your treasure collections, Beijing can always satisfy
your shopping desires. 
