Liulichang Culture Street

Hours & Admission Price Peak Season
Jan.-Dec.
0:00-24:00
Free Low Season
Jan.-Dec.
0:00-24:00
Free Address & Phone Transportation Take Bus No. 14, 15, 16, 25, 45 and get off at East Hepingmen stop;
Take subway line 2 and get off at Hepingmen station. Notes

Known as 'Antique Street' for its antiques, books and paintings and other artwork in China, Liulichang Culture Street is one of the oldest streets in Beijing which still bear the appearance of a Qing Dynasty market street.

Situated in the south of the Heping Gate of Xuanwu District in Beijing, Liulichang Culture Street is a famous culture street in Beijing which still bears the appearance of a Qing Dynasty market street. The 800-meter-long street was originated in Qing Dynasty when the candidates from all over the country lived here to prepare for the imperial examination. As a result, many shops were opened here, selling books, papers, ink stones and writing tools. Today, it is popular among foreign tourists known for a series of traditional Chinese courtyard houses selling various curios, calligraphy, painting or other artwork in China.

History

Liulichang (colored glaze factory) was named Haiwang Village in Liao and Jin Dynasties (907-1125). In Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a renowned colored glaze factory was set up at here, made glazed tiles for the palaces, temples and residences of the officials. Thus, it got its name Liulichang.

When the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) made Beijing as its capital, the residents in the inner city were moved out to the out city. The officials to reporting their works and candidates for the imperial exanimation from other parts of the country usually lived at this area. As a result, many scholars gathered here and a market selling bookings, calligraphy and antiques was formed here.

This street was refurbished as a pedestrian precinct in the 1980's. Now, it attracts many tourists for the shops and architectures. It is a good choice when you travel in Beijing if you are interested of traditional Chinese Culture.

Features of the Street

Since Qianlong era (1736-1796) in Qing Dynasty, Liulichang Culture Street started its business of selling books (especially rare ancient books), calligraphy and paintings, antiques, stone inscriptions and “the scholars’ four treasures” (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper). The shops are usually located in the traditional courtyard houses in Ming and Qing Style.

Liulichang Culture Street boasts many famous time honored shops, such as Huaiyin Shanfang, Guyi Zhai, Cuiwen Ge, Yide Ge, Lifushou Bizhuang, etc. The most popular shop, Rongbao Zhai and the earliest bookstore dealing with ancient books, China Bookshop are located at the street. Besides, Commercial Press, Zhonghua Book Company and World Book Company are also originated from here.

Top-rated Shops

China Bookshop is specialized selling and research on the collections of ancient books, rubbings and all kinds of old newspapers and magazines. Set up in January, 1912, it is a time-honored shop which played an import role in spreading knowledge of science and culture.
Address: No 115 Liulichang West Street
Phone: 010-63173805

Rongbao Zhai is the most popular time-honored shop dealing with authentic works and reproduced ones, four treasures of study as well as services of mounting, processing and repairing. What makes it famous at home and abroad is its wood-block watermark printing. In the past, it was the place where scholars in the painting and calligraphy circle gather and communicate.
Address: No 19 Liulichang West Street
Phone: 010-63034198

Other Famous Ones

Daqian Gallery: specialized in original artistic of well-known Chinese painters and calligraphers.
Address: No 17-2 Liulichang Xinhua South Street.
Phone: 010-63169743

Cuiwen Ge: Research and operating paintings and calligraphy, seal cutting and four treasures of study.
Address: No 58-60 Liulichang West Street
Phone: 010-63036054

Lifushou Wring Brush Shop
Address: No 99 Liulichang West Street
Phone: 010-63017839

Changdian Temple Fair

Every year, a temple fair is held in this area during Spring Festival from Lunar Jan.1 to Jan.16. The temple fair is so popular that every old Beijing inhabitants have participated in it. During the period, visitors can enjoy traditional local snacks as well as the craftworks.

In addition, Liulichang Culture Street also witnessed the prosperousness of Peking Opera. Many famous opera superstars got their fame at here. Today, visitors can still have the opportunity to enjoy the former residence relics of them, show buildings and assembly halls of Peking Opera. It’s really a great place to explore the culture and history of old Beijing.

How to get to Liulichang

Take Bus No. 14, 15, 16, 25, 45 and get off at East Hepingmen stop;
Take subway line 2 and get off at Hepingmen station.

Beijing Culture