China - bonsai (penjing) in beijing -- to buy

Dear all,

OK, I may be going slightly mad, but I'm desparate for a 'wood' anniversary gift for my wife, in a couple of weeks. What I really wanted to buy her -- an antique frame for a picture I bought her last year, hasn't come off, since I'm too disorganised.

So, I'm wracking my brains. And I thought: what about a small bonsai/penjing tree, preferably 5 years old? I/we have no idea how to look after it, so it will be probably dead within a year, but at least we can have a go, it might even be fun!

Does anyone know where I might purchase said item in Beijing? Must be taxi-accessible, since I don't have a car. Also, any idea how much these things cost: can't really afford thousands of dollars.

Alternatively, if anyone has a nice idea/suggestion for a suitable gift I would be most appreciative. Am flying to Boston for work on Monday for a few days, will be back on 1 January -- so something nice that's hand-baggage amenable from over there would also work.

Finally, the Christmas do doesn't look like it's going to happen. Happy Christmas everyone/ happy new year. And look forward to meeting up in 2012.

tb

Question? How would you be able to bring the bonsai tree back into the USA? Doesn't the USA (most countries actually) have a rule that soil cannot be brought back into the country without quarantine?

I only ask because I wanted to purchase a small bonsai and bring it back to Japan for my father-in-law but the store was pretty sure I would have major difficulties bringing it into Japan.

They suggested bringing a cut sapling and growing it myself. Kind of defeats the purpose of a gift.

Question? How would you be able to bring the bonsai tree back into the USA? Doesn't the USA (most countries actually) have a rule that soil cannot be brought back into the country without quarantine?


I know a woman in Portland who imports planted baby bonzis in bulk on a daily basis with DHL, so clearly it's possible. But, I'm guessing she probably had a fill out some paperwork to get her operation rolling.

Question? How would you be able to bring the bonsai tree back into the USA? Doesn't the USA (most countries actually) have a rule that soil cannot be brought back into the country without quarantine?


I think trueblu lives in Beijing so he doesn't need to bring it to the USA.

I think trueblu lives in Beijing so he doesn't need to bring it to the USA.

Correct!

tb

Correct!

tb

Have you checked at any of the wholesale flower markets, like's Women's St?

Have you checked at any of the wholesale flower markets, like's Women's St?

I've only been to the flower market on women's street once, a couple of months ago, and this wasn't on my mind. I can't recall seeing bonsai, but can't not recall it, as it were. If I knew for sure it's available there, not a problem. But I don't want to schlep across town, not find what I want, and then have to make the journey back empty handed. I don't even know how to find a phone number for one of the stalls -- which I could then get my assistant to call...hence plea for help.

tb

I have seen bonsai at the Laitai Flower Market on Lady Street. One place you might try first that is closer to you in Haidian is the Dasenlin Flower Market, if it's still there--I haven't been over there in a couple of years. You might need a Chinese speaking assistant to ask the Uni guards to point you towards it. They used to sell bonsai and if there, probably still do. It's on the grounds of the Agricultural University on Zaojunmiao Lu. I have no idea if this number still works, but it's 6211-9255. Used to be open every day.

Thanks jiejie, will check it out next week: I'm off to BOS tomorrow.

Wishing you a very merry and blessed Christmas.

tb

PS Happy Christmas to everyone else too!

I went to the Laitai flower market today with my assistant. There was a stall of penjing manned by a lovely older couple. Prices were a little steep, but given the age of the trees, I felt reasonable.

Now, have to see whether Mrs tb appreciates the gesture!

tb

For those looking for the Laitai Flower
Market here's a link.
http://www.synotrip.com/beijing/laitai-flower-market

Where did the market move to that sold aquarium fish?

For those looking for the Laitai Flower
Market here's a link.
http://www.synotrip.com/beijing/laitai-flower-market

Where did the market move to that sold aquarium fish?

There were plenty of fish and birds on display at Laitai today. Also, note that google maps puts the market at completely the wrong address: although all cabbies should know where it is (or most should).

tb

Was refering to Guanyuan Market.
loved to see the great variety of fish you can't find here in US.
Couldn't find where vendors moved to.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/video/2009-12/03/content_9112472.htm

There were plenty of fish and birds on display at Laitai today. Also, note that google maps puts the market at completely the wrong address: although all cabbies should know where it is (or most should).

tb

Never trust google map placements for China unless you get corroborating independent information. For reasons I can't remember, something is wrong with the syncing of data overlay or something with the map base.


Was refering to Guanyuan Market.
loved to see the great variety of fish you can't find here in US.
Couldn't find where vendors moved to.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/video/2009-12/03/content_9112472.htm

Guanyuan Market now at Zizhuqiao, by the West 3rd Ring Road, near Purple Bamboo Park which is somewhat further west than the Beijing Zoo.

Guanyuan Market now at Zizhuqiao, by the West 3rd Ring Road, near Purple Bamboo Park which is somewhat further west than the Beijing Zoo.

Thanks for the tip. ^

Like to see the selection of Asian Arowana and fly river turtles.
But can't bring those back to US.

Did see a nice pair of close to platinum arowana but too cold
at the time to try and transport.

Got a pic of those beauties (http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j8/anacapamalibu/PC261303.jpg)

Thanks for the tip. ^

Like to see the selection of Asian Arowana and fly river turtles.
But can't bring those back to US.

Did see a nice pair of close to platinum arowana but too cold
at the time to try and transport.

Got a pic of those beauties (http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j8/anacapamalibu/PC261303.jpg)

Those same fish (didn't know what they were) were at the Laitai market yesterday too..:)

tb

Never trust google map placements for China unless you get corroborating independent information. For reasons I can't remember, something is wrong with the syncing of data overlay or something with the map base.


I think (not being a techie, I'm not sure) that the problem is with GPS not with maps per se. It's to do with GPS 'overlay' or something. However, use of google maps as a static map should be fine...except when google puts in the wrong address.

Having said that, I've found the GPS function on my phone (using google maps) pretty reliable in Beijing. They're supposed to be out by 30+ metres, but I've not found that to be the case. The native 'navigation' function doesn't appear to work, however, but since I'm not driving, not an issue. I've found the GPS very useful in directing cabbies.

tb

Those same fish (didn't know what they were) were at the Laitai market yesterday too..:)

tb

Will check them out next time in capital city^

Wish they would allow Asian Arowana (http://www.asnclassifieds.com/images_b/63367_211887.jpg) in US. Even though
they are bread in captivity, still not legal here.