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Q: Is there such a thing as an actual "Antique store" anywhere in China?
Just curious as I've never seen one before, and no colleague or friend of mine seems to even be able to comprehend the idea of a store where you buy things that were made many years ago. Sometimes I get lucky and can pick up some great wind up watches and clocks at some of the small repair stands but so far that's pretty much it. Any thoughts on the subject? I know some things can be found online, but at ridiculous prices, so I'm more interested in an actual brick and mortar "store".
Not quite answering your question, but you should be warned.
In order to take genuine antiques out of the country, you need to have the proper permits. Some wont be a problem (like a 100 year old western style clock or phone) but others will be forbidden (any Dynastic art).
Please do your research before purchasing, so that you do not end up with a product you cannot take with you when you leave the country.
optical5:
Thanks for the info. Mostly I'm just talking about basic household items made in the last 50-60 years, clocks, chairs, pens, that sort of thing.
GuilinRaf:
In that case, you may want to try some of the "markets".
They are kind of like "flea markets" back west, except that these are permanent in location but temporary in the sense of being a cart, or a table under a huge tent or something. Maybe you an ask your local friends to help. You may need to look around quite a bit, but you can find interesting stuff.
Anything of historical value was destroyed by the CCP during the Cultural Revolution, except those things preserved safely in western museums (which the CCP now wants back, claiming they were "stolen").
As for anything built since the Cultural Revolution - it is lucky if it would last 50 days, let alone 50 years.
You may walk through some old street stands ... especially some moving businessmen.
Scandinavian:
Come On Hotwater. Isn't refreshing to see some of Travllers legendary and poetic answers resurface. See the irony in a thread about antiques. !
I'm sorry. I accept your advice as I am totally new to this place. Please forgive.
