In the southern part of downtown Bejing stands Baoguo Temple, and Baoguo Temple Antique Market is nationally recognized as one of the best locations for antique collectors to search for treasured collectibles and vintage wares. It is easily accessible by multiple bus routes, and virtually unknown to and therefore not visited by the average tourist, which makes for a wonderful, calm atmosphere, most fitting to the setting of the temple.
Baoguo Temple has a rich history. First constructed in the 900s during the Liao Dynasty, it was used, rebuilt and re-purposed through the ages, and remodeled into the current configuration in 1466. Since that time, it has been used much more for antique collections and bazaars than it has as a temple. It is a rather specialized collection, focused on old Chinese and foreign coins, old paper money, vintage and antique books and historic newspapers. Visitors to Baoguo Temple Antique Market usually have a qualified interest in these types of items, and for those in the know there are plenty of treasures to be found. There are a fair amount of fakes for sale too though, so a discerning eye is needed!
Due to the specificity of antiques for sale, Baoguo Temple Antique Market can be a great location for networking with other professionals and collectors of the kind of items for sale. There are also exhibition halls within the temple, so it is also a wonderful place to visit to simply browse and enjoy the ambiance of the setting. Throughout the year, several national collectors' trades are held here too, so it is a rather famous location for everyone interested in antique coins, books and other papers.
There is a small fee to pay to enter Baoguo Temple Antique Market, but it is negligible and worth it for the setting itself. It is open every day, with many more mobile sellers populating the space over the weekends. Street vendors offer delicious refreshments outside the temple, so it is easy to pass a few enjoyable and peaceful hours here.
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