For fans of arts and crafts, a visit to Baigongfang, a living museum of traditional Chinese handicrafts, is an inspirational experience that brings home the richness and diversity of Chinese handmade art.

Located in the southern part of downtown Beijing one km east of the Temple of Heaven, Baigongfang handicraft center provides a space for 103 masters to make and show their works. Visitors watch the artists creating handicrafts on the spot.

Walk through the bright red gate and you will find the studios of dozens of nationally and provincially renowned masters specializing in 20 categories of imperial arts, folk arts, and modern arts, such as jade and ivory carving, cloisonné, lacquer ware, paper cuts, and clay figurines. There is genuine concern that China's traditional arts and handicrafts are disappearing and the Baigongfang museum is part of an effort to protect and nurture a priceless heritage.

Travel info:

Address: No. 12B Guangming Road, Chongwen District, Beijing
                 崇文区光明路乙12号（大宝饭店对面，左安门内大与光明路交叉口）
Open: 9:30-16:
Tel: 6718-2822, 6712-6612

(China.org.cn May 15, 2008)