If you want to hunt for special souvenir or unique collectible in Beijing, try not to miss the flea market at the gate of Tongli, a newly opened mall near Sanlitun Street.

It features antiques, art works, folk specialities and lots of other products.

The flea market will be opened every weekend from May 15 for fans of Chinese folk arts.

You'll find antiques, collectibles and curios in every price range.

Folk crafts, dolls, scrolls, prints, ceramics of every type, gold and silver ornaments also feature.

In contrast to Beijing Curio City, Panjiayuan Antique Market and Liulichang Street, all famous for the second-hand arts and Chinese folk art works in the south end of downtown Beijing, Tongli and its weekend flea market deal in original copies of art works including both modern and ancient styles.

With more than 50 curio shops under one roof, Tongli also specializes in antique pottery, paintings from China and abroad, jade, bone carvings, antique furniture, Chinese minorities' carpets and pearls.

Tongli periodically organizes unique curio exhibitions, sales and seminars. The weekend flea market from May 15 will be a folk arts festival.

Many of the dealers are themselves connoisseurs and curio collectors and makers.

According to Chinese regulations, antiques that dated to before 1795 are forbidden for sale or export from China. Those dated between 1796 and 1949 should bear a small red seal and a Relics Export certificate from the Beijing Culture Relics Bureau, to allow them to be taken out of China. The seal also proves the genuineness of the items.

All the art products found in Tongli and its flea market are outside the limitations. You can take them out of China without any trouble.

As a multi-sectioned covered shopping area, products in Tongli offer prices that are generally very reasonable, and there are plenty of bargains to be had.

Once you have finished your trip both inside and out, be sure to take a visit to the bar on the fourth floor of Tongli market. The bar is one of the best on the street.

The action at the flea market starts around dawn and vendors start to pack up by early afternoon every Saturday and Sunday. Get there early for the best stuff, or at the end for the greatest bargains.

To celebrate the opening of the first such flea market in Sanlitun Street, a grand ceremony will be held on the morning of May 15.

Tel: 010-64177715 ext 201 (Chinese and English).

Location: Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (Please follow the map).

(Beijing Weekend April 23, 2004)