Liulichang 琉璃厂

This 750-meter long strip south of Hepingmen in Xuanwu District was once known as a Ming Dynasty gathering point for poets, scholars and literati. Today, the strip still resembles a traditional Chinese market street and offers curios, scroll paintings, calligraphy, old books, figurines and memorabilia to a roving crowd of tourists and culture buffs alike. Prices vary and bargaining is essential. Daily from dawn to dusk.