WestTexas Posted December 18, 2012 at 05:00 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 at 05:00 PM Hey guys. I need to buy a Christmas present for my Dad's wife. She has this weird thing for peacocks, so I was thinking I'd bring her something from China that is a peacock. I've seen a few peacock things in various knick-knack shops, and Chinese people seem to like peacocks, so I think I should be able to do this. I looked around the town where I work but the peacocks I found were all ugly. What I need is a place in Beijing that sells a variety of decorative items, sculpture things, etc. at a reasonable price. I found a nice-looking peacock thing in a souvenir shop by the Forbidden City, but it was rather expensive. I'm guessing there are other places around Beijing that sell similar items for better prices. I am only in Beijing for two days before I fly out, so I'd like to pick something up in that time. If someone could suggest a place to browse such things, I'd appreciate it. Barring that, any backup suggestions for Christmas gifts for a 55-to-60-year-old redneck lady would be appreciated... stuff I can buy in Beijing quickly. As a side note, Happy Holidays to everyone, and good luck to any who have exams coming up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonymoose Posted December 18, 2012 at 05:33 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 at 05:33 PM Taobao How about a nice peacock brazier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roddy Posted December 18, 2012 at 05:46 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 at 05:46 PM Panjiayuan could be a bit of a trek, depends where you're staying, but it makes for a good day out, and if you don't spot anything peacock-related there's any number of other 'genuine antique' gifts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexas Posted December 18, 2012 at 06:27 PM Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 at 06:27 PM TaobaoHow about a nice peacock brazier? Yeah, I saw that. Not really interested in having any of the conversations purchasing that might involve. I am staying inside the second ring road, pretty central. Where is Panjiayuan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imron Posted December 18, 2012 at 08:48 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 at 08:48 PM Next to Panjiayuan bridge :-) More precisely, south east of Beijing, not too far from the temple of heaven. Google maps will have more specific directions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roddy Posted December 18, 2012 at 09:28 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 at 09:28 PM That said, how lively is it through the week? I know it's still open, but I'm not sure if all the little stallholders are there Mon-Fri. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imron Posted December 18, 2012 at 10:23 PM Report Share Posted December 18, 2012 at 10:23 PM Yeah, it used to only be open on weekends. Not sure if that's still the case or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob07 Posted December 19, 2012 at 12:28 AM Report Share Posted December 19, 2012 at 12:28 AM More precisely, south east of Beijing, not too far from the temple of heaven. Sounds like a good place to find a peacock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xiaoxiaocao Posted December 19, 2012 at 02:09 AM Report Share Posted December 19, 2012 at 02:09 AM Slightly off topic but seeing as though Peacocks don't come up very often (ever) in this forum - Our old neighbors used to have two pet Peacocks. Paid 3,000 RMB a piece for them. Apparently there is a Peacock farm on the outskirts of Beijing somewhere, might have been this one - http://www.cysyyz.com/stencil/478/index_cn.asp?Client_ID=23531&Edition_ID=1 They have stuffed Peacocks for sale on the site (标本), don't know if customs would let you take one home though...... Would be an excellent gift. Haven't seen the neighbors 2 around the last couple of summers, perhaps they ended up on the dinner table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexas Posted December 19, 2012 at 10:38 AM Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2012 at 10:38 AM Well, I'm going to Beijing tomorrow, so I'll let you guys know what I end up doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moving_away Posted December 20, 2012 at 01:42 AM Report Share Posted December 20, 2012 at 01:42 AM If it still makes you before leaving, you could also go the non-literal way and find her a recording of the performance of Yang Liping (杨丽萍), the 'Peacock Princess of China'. She is considered one of the best performers and choreographers of peacock dancing in China, and would make for a very China-flavored, cultural gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexas Posted December 21, 2012 at 01:23 PM Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2012 at 01:23 PM Bought this red paper cutout of two peacocks fighting at an arts and crafts place on 东直门. Actually, it says they are phoenixes, but whatever. The whole thing is in red and the feathers look like peacock feathers, so it will do. The red paper is attached to a nice-looking silky background and framed. It cost 158 yuan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonymoose Posted December 21, 2012 at 02:19 PM Report Share Posted December 21, 2012 at 02:19 PM I think this should have gone in the scams thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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