Chinese culture in a nutshell

Diehard fans of Chinese culture and antiques shouldn't pass up the opportunity to visit Beijing's brilliant antiques markets.

Shilihe Tianjiao Culture City, a five-minute walk from Shilihe subway station (Exit D), features several thousand stalls packed with exquisite cultural artifacts. Visitors usually head straight for the precious stones and beautiful accessories, including bracelets and necklaces made from a variety of woods.

Experts and tourists alike can spend the day wandering through the seemingly endless aisles of art, pottery, jewelry, and souvenirs, slaking their thirst for cultural exploration, and possibly making their wallets a little lighter.