The Panjiayuan market (also known as the Dirt' or Ghost' Market) is a market in Beijing dealing in secondhand goods of private citizens and art and craft articles. As a market for people to visit in holidays and leisure, it also involves all varieties of goods for collectors in the nation and is China's biggest collecting and distributing center of art and craft articles.
Established initially as a flea market by small traders on roadside in Chaoyang district in 1992. It was later in 1995 moved to houses on its present scale.
Situated in a place of city traffic hub, south of Eastern Third Ring Road and west of Panjiayuan bridge nearby Second Ring Road, it is very easy for visitors to reach. The market covers over three hectares of land and accommodates over 3,000 stalls open to business. Everyday, many Chinese people and foreigners patronize this market of traditional Chinese style.
As a place for sightseeing, shopping and buying treasured articles for collection, the working staff of the market believe that they are working for propagating Chinese traditional culture and promoting international exchanges, With great sincerity, they welcome people from all parts of the world for a visit to share the enjoyment of seeing part of the brilliant culture of mankind.
The market opens very early on Saturday and Sunday mornings and starts winding down around 3 p.m. If you are looking for a real treasure of a find, then try to arrive early to beat out other knowledgeable antique shoppers. Even if you walk away empty-handed (unlikely), the bustle and atmosphere of Panjiayuan is an experience in itself, so be sure to pay a visit.