In Seine For France: Paris Pekin Antique Shop

In the last year, this Gulou hutong has swelled with fresh faces, ideas and flair, all the while retaining its localized charm. The latest venture to join the cluttered street is Paris Pekin Antique Shop, a quaint space that specializes in vintage collectibles from France.

The mostly hipster clientele mill about, examining the yellowed sheet music, black-and-white photographs (RMB 58-200) and porcelain ashtrays (RMB 98-138) with interest. Sentimental piano music and an address plaque reading “6th arrondissement” – one of Paris’s most fashionable districts – showcase the owner Liu Tian Tian’s Gallic expertise and attention to detail. She gushes about her love for both her hometown Beijing as well as France’s capital, where she lived for over ten years. “I want to give Beijingers the chance to appreciate Parisian culture as well,” she tells me. And appreciate we do.

Also try: Shanghai Memory, Shanghai Trio
Must buy: Vintage photo of Audrey Hepburn (RMB 58)

Paris Pekin Antique Shop 北京巴黎
Daily 11am-9pm. 85 Baochao Hutong, Dongcheng District (134 3643 7012)
东城区宝钞胡同85号

Photo: Judy Zhou