Flea Markets to Jump On

The heating is turning on officially in a matter of days, which means the holiday season is just around the corner. Thanksgiving is coming up in a couple weeks, and right after that, Christmas!

What’s that? You haven’t gotten started shopping for gifts yet? No worries. These next couple weekends, Beijing is sure to be a little more fun than usual. We see flea markets far too infrequently here, and now we are being treated to handful of them at once. But without further ado, here are the ones to look out for.

FOR ECLECTIC FASHION FINDS … Go to Nuandao’s Winter Party, an indoor creative party of pop-up stores featuring boutiques and creative individuals. The Beijing-based design blog has recruited avant-garde concept store Triple-Major, unique children’s wear brand Tang’ Roulou, and secondhand shop Beijing Delia’s to sell their wares; do & make to host a cooking demo (3-4.30pm); and local DJs Kit and shackup to provide the tunes.
November 12. 2-6pm. Jam, 2/F, Bldg C, 206 Gulou Dongdajie (6424 8218; across the street from Mega Mega Vintage)

FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND JEWELRY … Trek to Lily's Antiques in Gaobeidian for Belita Jewelry’s Holiday Jewelry Sale. It's not clear whether the "special discounts" apply to the furniture or the jewelry, but we'd assume both. (Don't take our word for it though. Perhaps it'd be better to email contact@belitajewelry.com to make sure.) Treat yourself to hair/makeup consultations by Eric Paris Salon, as well as live music, canapés, cheese and wine.
November 12. 1-6pm. Lily’s Antiques Furniture (157 1112 8542)

FOR PURSES AND ALL-THINGS-VINTAGE … Make your way down to Rfactory’s Flea Market, a two-day affair of food, drinks and shopping – that includes their own collection of Rfactory bags, as well as all the participating vendors that they’ve invited. Their flyer (below) promises secondhand books, clothes and high-end bags.
November 19-20. Noon-6pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)

FOR BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS … Browse through Roundabout’s Secondhand Book Fair. Okay, so this is technically not a “flea market,” per se, but it’s for a good cause (100 percent of donations will go towards buying coal to help provide heating at Xuanhua Orphanage) and there will be thousands of books, including adult and children’s fiction, picture books for smaller children and a large selection of special interest nonfiction. Also: If you have any books you’d be willing to donate, you can drop them off at Beijing Rego British School any time during school hours, or Tai Tai (Shunyi) or Beijing United Hospital (Lido). Email roundaboutchina@gmail.com for a full list of drop-off locations.
November 19. Times TBD. Beijing Rego British School, Shunyi (8416 7718)