Traditional Chinese handmade lantern

Traditional lanterns have always been an art form as well as a functional tool. 

I found this unique handmade lantern with traditional Chinese design and patterns. 

In ancient times, you could only find such lanterns in the homes of rich families, but now one makeery special decoration for your room.

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

It is handmade with unique paper lantern

See this beautiful lantern? Can you believe it is made of paper?

This very unique material is called Dongba paper. It is completely made by hand.

Dongba paper contains the minerals of a plant called the Landu Flower. It is said this flower contains a chemical that can preserve the paper for one thousand years.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

This is a Dongba woodcarving.

Do you know about Dongba script? It is the only language in use today that still uses pictures. It is used by the Naxi ethnic people in Yunnan province.

This is a Dongba woodcarving. It has characters from the Dongba language inscribed on it.

Naxi people also call their high priest "Dongba," which means “wise man.” The priests use the Dongba language to record divine words during sacrificial ceremonies.

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

Fish represents wealth in China

I've always loved things that have ethnic minority characteristics. So I’m very happy every time I find Naxi ceramic items in Beijing.

The Naxi minority group lives in Lijiang in southwestern China. Their ceramic items are very exquisite.

This one has a fish pattern. It's very common for Naxi people to use fish on their art, as it represents wealth.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

Our love will live forever!

On May 12th, 2008, the deadly Sichuan Earthquake killed at least 68,000 people in southwestern China.

Over a year later, all Chinese still remember that terrible tragedy. This sculpture was put up last week in Beijing’s 798 Art Zone. The designer hopes everyone will continue to give aid to the reconstruction effort of Sichuan.

Our love will live forever!

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

This precious item is a woodstone

This precious item shown in the pic is a woodstone. It is a type of petrified wood which comes from southern China.

This one is a very unique piece, because we see a variety of colors here.

Woodstone was formed 250 million years ago. Now it has become a hot collection item for its rarity.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

A jadeite takes several million years to form

Jadeite is very popular in China. This is a beautiful Jadeite pendant which represents longevity, happiness and wealth.

Famous for its glossy surface, a jadeite takes several million years to form.

They can be divided into several groups by their levels of transparency. The best, or the most transparent, is the 'glass' type. Semi-transparent jades are called 'ice' type.

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

Look at this cat called" Hilter"

Look at this cat called “Hitler”. With a Hitler-style moustache, he is saluting like Hitler!

After it died, it was reproduced using a new technique that preserved its organs and muscles. What you see is a complete piece.

People always feel sad when their pets die. Now they have a new way to keep them alive forever. These animals are also very interesting decorations for a house.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing

Gourd can be used to make artwork.

Gourd is a natural plant once used to make wine bottle. When used to make art, this plant can take many forms.

This gourd has a pyrography painting that features a poem written by a famous Chinese poet. On the upper part are four spiritual beasts from Taoism.

In China, a gourd is also used as an auspicious object to ward off evil spirits. It can protect you and bring you good luck.

--by Cathryn, your personal shopping assistant in Beijing

Look at this lifelike Lychee fruits!

You will be amazed by this one. It features lychee fruits and cicadas. It looks so lifelike!

The stones are from southern China. Shoushan stone carvings have a history of 1,500 years in this country.

Because of its unique quality, Shoushan stone is considered the national stone of China. In recent years, overexploitation of its sources caused it to become increasingly rare.

--by Cathryn, your tour guide in Beijing