Beijingers embracing swap meets

Swapping unwanted items for useful ones is becoming a popular pastime in the city as more and more people become involved in online swap websites or go to real-life flea markets.

The famed Panjiayuan market holds a flea market every Monday to Friday and has attracted as many as 80,000 visitors a day to the 1,100 stalls, according to Beijing Evening News.

"(People reserve stall space at the market) to earn some money by selling their unused goods and that is good for those of us retirees who have nothing to do at home," said Pan Shaosong, 65, who often frequents the market.