The open foyer at Beijing Curio City. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

Beijing Curio City -- Antique Overload

And if people still want to seek antique boutiques after perusing nine stories of them, then just across the street are 300-some more antique stores at Beijing Curio City, a massive shopping mall complex.

The feeling here is definitely more relaxed than Tianya, a feeling of openness aided by the bright open space at the building's core. The feeling is more casual, and the goods are accordingly less opulent. It's a pleasant enough space to while away an afternoon, poking your nose into stores to browse jewelry, clocks, paintings, rugs and knickknacks of quality ranging from middle of the road to exquisite.