sniles
Dec 15, 11, 2:20 am
Maybe a long shot, but when i lived in Beijing in the mid-90's there was a weekly market, every Sunday morning, starting around 6am selling all sorts of junk including antiques. I'm wondering whether anyone knows if it is still around. I don't recall the name or location, so if anyone knows, please update.
jiejie
Dec 15, 11, 4:43 am
You may be thinking of Panjiayuan Market.
aka "The Dirt Market aka "The Ghost Market" aka "Saturday/Sunday Market"
It is still there, though several years ago they gussied it up a bit. There are permanent buildings at the perimeter and a few places inside the compound, and a large metal roof has been installed over the open vendor areas. The ground is concreted. Still very popular, and best times to go are Saturday or Sunday from about 8 to early afternoon. Though it does open earlier (in warm weather, about 6 or 6:30 am). I would not trust too much there touted as "antique" to actually be that. Bargaining is de rigeur. Merchants in the permanent buildings are often open during the week.
Located on the SE Third Ring Road. All the taxi drivers know this place. Also approachable by public buses. Closest subway is Line 10 Jinsong (current terminus station), Exit D, then about a 10-15 minute walk south.