[Photo from visitbeijing.com.cn]

About

Liulichang Street is only 750 meters long, located south of Hepingmen (Peace) Gate within walking distance of the Hepingmen Quanjude Peking Duck Restaurant. It was named Haiwang Village in the Liao and Jin dynasties. In the Yuan and Ming dynasties an official kiln was located here which produced glazed tiles for building imperial palaces. During Emperor Kangxi's and Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty it became a well-know cultural street for selling antiques. Though the kiln was closed up in the Emperor Qianlong's reign, it has continued to be called Liulichang, or glazed tiles factory. It is a spot of historical and cultural interest that shows traditional Chinese culture, especially in terms of painting and calligraphy.

Liulichang has also won high reputation among writers and artists for the four treasures of study sold here–writing brush, ink stick, paper and ink slab. The famous Yidege, which opened in 1865 (the 4th year of Emperor Tongzhi's reign in the Qing Dynasty), was the first manufacturer of Chinese ink. Daiyuexuan, created in 1916 and named after its creator, makes high-quality writing brushes, which were Qi Baishi's favorite.

1. Wenkuitang Wenkuitang, situated in Liulichang Xijie, was set up by Wang Yunduan from Shulu county of Hebei province in the 7th year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1881). It was the largest secondhand bookstore in Beijing in the late Qing Dynasty. It not only sold books, but also collected, carve blocks for printing and publish books. Now it also sells the "scholars' four jewels" (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper), paintings and ornaments.

Address: No.34, Liulichang Xijie, Xuanwu District, Beijing Phone number: 8610-63020834

2.Beijing Painting Shop Beijing Painting Shop, formerly known as Beijing Fine Art Company but now affiliated to Beijing Gehua Cultural Development Company, is one of the earliest professional painting shops in contemporary China. It moved in 2003 from No.289, Wangfujing Street to No.44, Liulichang Xijie.

Address: No.44, Liulichang Xijie, Xuanwu District, Beijing Phone number: 8610-63183640

3. Beijing Qingmige Paintings Shop Beijing Qingmige Paintings Shop is a long-established brand shop in Beijing's Cultural Street. Qingmige took the name of Ni Zan's private library of the Yuan Dynasty where he kept thousands of books. Though the ownership of the Qingmige library changed many times, its name has been kept unchanged. So, it has a history of more than 650 years.

Address: No.52, Liulichang West Street, Xuanwu District, Beijing Phone number: 8610-63017697

Around

1. Quanjude A famous historical brand of China, was established in 1864 (the third year of Tongzhi of Qing dynasty). During the 136 years, Quanjude has experienced business vicissitudes and survived the arduous ordeal of time. Throughout the years, Quanjude dishes have been greatly enriched due to developing and innovation. With its long history, Quanjude roast duck enjoys a high reputation among domestic and overseas consumers for the peculiar roast technique and outstanding quality.

Address: Building 14, Qianmen West Avenue, Xuanwu District Metro: Line 2 and get off at Hepingmen Station Telephone: 8610-63023062

2. Starbucks Coffee Starbucks is a multinational coffee and coffeehouse chain company based in the United States. Because their Chinese customers tend to spend more time in the stores than their U.S. counterparts, many Starbucks coffee shops in China are bigger and offer more comfortable seating than similar stores in the United States. A Starbucks coffee shop in SOGO is one example of those shops. If you feel tired or hungry when you wondering in SOGO, one of the major shopping mall in Beijing, just go to Floor B1 and enjoy your leisure time in Starbucks.

Address: Floor B1, Beijing Sogo Department Store, No. 8 of Xuanwumenwai Avenue Metro: Subway Line 2 and get off at Xuanwumen Station Telephone: 8610-63104865

3. Qingfeng Steamed Stuffed Bun Restaurant An old brand name in Beijing, it features baozi stuffed with three fillings, lean pork, mushroom and shelled shrimps. Address: No.63 Beixinhua Street, Xuanwu District Metro: Subway Line 2 and get off at Hepingmen Station Telephone: 8610-66056150

Tips

Address: South of Hepingmen Gate

Metro: Line 2 and get off at Hepingmen Station

Opening hours: all day