Hours: Open early Saturday and Sunday mornings until about 3pm
Address: Off Dongsanhuan Nanlu, Third Ring Road, Beijing
( 东三环南路 )

Set aside a Saturday or Sunday morning to visit Panjiayuan Market (also known as the ’Dirt’ or ’Ghost’ Market). It is Beijing’s biggest and best-known arts, crafts, and antiques market. There will be crowds, so just take a deep breath, prepare yourself for haggling, and most importantly, soak up the lively market atmosphere. 

 

Art lovers and collectors can easily spend hours perusing the endless stalls where traditional and contemporary local artists display their wares. In addition to artwork and antiques there are countless other shops and stalls, many of which are makeshift, selling jewelry, beads, home décor, shoes, art supplies and every other Chinese curio or knick-knack imaginable. There is also a huge selection of Buddhist statues and artwork that is usually found in Beijing’s many temples.

 

The market opens very early on Saturday and Sunday mornings and starts winding down around 3pm. If you are looking for a real treasure of a find, then try to arrive early to beat out other knowledgeable antique shoppers. Even if you walk away empty-handed (unlikely), the bustle and atmosphere of Panjiayuan is an experience in itself, so be sure to pay a visit.