Whether you’re leaving Beijing for good or just for a trip back home, you’ll want to bring a little piece of the city back with you for keepsakes. We’ve rounded up some of the coolest souvenirs that will give a little taste of Beijing.
Liuba Draws
One of Beijing’s most beloved lifestyle designers, Liuba Draws is as close to a household name as you’ll get around here. Her merchandise 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. Her latest Best of Beijing 2024 calendar was just launched and compiles some of her most popular drawings of the city into a wall-size or desk-size calendar. There’s also her Liuba Draws Beijing book, which makes for a great coffee table read and decoration! For other knick-knacks, check out her colorful and practical tote bag, bold acrylic 煎饼 jiānbing pancake, 啤酒 píjiǔ beer, or simply 北京 bějīng Beijing earrings, fridge magnets and greeting cards. Check out her website here or scan the QR code to shop her WeChat store.
Beijing Postcards
You may know the company for their informative talks and hutong walks, but they also sell some hyper local souvenirs that are based on original research using archival materials, books, out-of-print periodicals, and oral histories. Their merchandise includes scarves with one-of-a-kind prints of topographical maps of the city, tea towels with Old Beijing shop signs, cushion covers, and postcards. If you want something more unusual, check out their limited-edition hardcover out-of-print books such as Sidelights on Peking Life by Robert Swallow. You can shop their WeChat store by scanning the QR code below.
China-Themed Puzzles
There are various vendors you can get these from, whether it’s online or from expat-friendly shops at the Pearl Shopping Center. TOI makes some very fun and irregularly shaped 2D puzzles like their Giant Panda puzzle that’s great for kids ages 6+. Alternatively, check out the cute 3D panda puzzle that’s very well-constructed and a great conversation starter. For older audiences, Hong Tai offers a 3D Building Series that features iconic Beijing landmarks like the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City.
Images: Courtesy of vendors, Vivienne Tseng-Rush
