Don't Leave Beijing Without These Unique Souvenirs

Whether you’re here for six months or 20 years, when you finally decide to leave these sometimes-smoggy shores, you’ll want to bring back something with a little Beijing flavor to show off to your friends. We’re not talking “I Heart BJ” T-shirts or Chinese silk scarves that litter the airport kitsch stores, but some actual keepsakes that will gently remind you of the unique experiences you had while calling this bustling city your home.

Mahjong set

It may not have been born in Beijing, but mahjong is certainly played aplenty in this urban jungle. For the uninitiated, this confounding and addictive game is played with four players and could be likened to Gin Rummy, albeit with more complicated rules and prettier tiles. The original mahjong tiles were made using ivory and bamboo, but ivory’s thankfully been outlawed, so we’ll settle for the ivory-inspired-but-really-plastic tiles. If you want a more authentic feel, there’s also the variant of bone tiles made from cow, which will definitely be a conversation-starter for back home. When buying a mahjong set, you can usually opt for a carry case in aluminium or wood to keep the tiles neat and tidy. Tip: If you’re buying the mahjong set on TaoBao, check the size of the tiles! Travel size mahjong sets are all the rage now, but unless you want to squint at the indecipherable squiggle on a half inch tile, get at least 30mm ones.

Customized folding fan

As a farewell gift, former Deputy Managing Editor Cindy received a hand-painted fan from a colleague that says “The Coolest Foreigner Around”

This one will take a little more effort on your part, but depending on your artistic skills, it may really pay off. You can paint your own traditional folding fan or simply have your name written on it in Chinese calligraphy. Better yet, give yourself a Chinese name and then have that written on the fan! Just be sure to check that the Chinese characters don’t have another meaning than you intended, like when my Australian cousin got a tattoo that she thought said “Gold Pearl” but really said “Golden Pig.” For fan-painting workshops, scan the QR code below!

A portrait of you as an emperor/empress at the Forbidden City

Here’s hoping you’ve visited the Forbidden City during your stay in Beijing, because shame on you if you haven’t! Aside from a one-of-a-kind historical experience, the Forbidden City also offers some unbeatable photo ops! But don’t just pose for photos in your modern day garb and peace signs – why not partake in the ultimate dress up and put on the costume of the Dowager Empress, with full make-up and gear, and take a photo right in front of the throne room with your best ancient Chinese ruler power pose. Depending on the costumes you choose, these photography packages, available for booking on the 大众点评 (Dàzhòng diǎnpíng) app range from RMB 200 to over RMB 1,000, but those photos will truly be out of this world.

Beijing Postcards

Beijing Postcards is a company dedicated to Chinese history and all their products are based on original research using archival materials, books, out of print periodicals, and oral histories. They are most known for their prints of topographical maps of the city, which would freshen up any blank wall in your home. From limited edition hardcover out-of-print books such as Sidelights on Peking Life by Robert Swallow, to cushion covers and yes, actual postcards, you can shop their WeChat store by scanning the QR code below.

Plastered8 hoodie

Homegrown Beijing brand Plastered8 offers some wildly creative tees and hoodies with all sorts of local colloquialisms and catch-phrases splashed across in bright colors. These eye-catching garments will certainly add a dash of fun to any wardrobe, and also start a conversation – “What’s that say?” – with overseas, non-Chinese speakers. One of editor Mina Yan‘s favorites says “哪京块, 哪呆着 Nǎ jīng kuài, nǎ dāizhe” which the brand translates as “Get lost” (though Mina says it’s something else less polite). My personal pick? Their bright and cheery Beijing Kaleidoscope hoodies that are available in kids sizes too! Search 创可贴8T恤 on TaoBao to shop their funky store.

Liuba Draws

If you don’t quite trust your creative bone, then trust Liuba’s! Liuba Draws‘ merch is an iconic sight at craft fairs in Beijing, and she also has a WeiDian so you can browse and purchase all her designs online. Our recommendations are her bold acrylic 煎饼 jiānbing pancake, 啤酒 píjiǔ beer, or simply 北京 bějīng Beijing earrings, and also her yearly calendars with hand-drawn monthly scenes depicting various Beijing hotspots in various weather conditions, which you’ll know all about if you’ve lived through the extremes of the four seasons here. I also got a “Beijing hutong” fridge magnet for my father’s ever-expanding collection of country magnets. Check out her website here.

Lost Puppies merch

And just for all the supporters of Beijing’s furry friends, we had to tell you about the cool new merchandise that non-profit volunteer organization Lost Puppies recently made available! From baseball caps with their signature Lost Pup graphic, to funky tees that say “Dog hair is my glitter,” you’re not only buying a fun accessory, but also a meaningful one that helps to rehome abandoned dogs in our city. Scan the QR code below to contact Lost Puppies.