There are large numbers of handicraft shops in Beijing. But it is not that easy to find a great one with nice prices. So I was very happy coming across Good Old Days near the Forbidden City.

Carrying over 100 categories of finely selected traditional Chinese handicrafts, Good Old Days has been in the business for almost a decade. From clay baubles to cloth cats, wood paintings to zodiac pendants, everything brings some old-time touch.

In the of clay products section, I picked up a small, stripped-color kitty with its tail cocking up. This lovely animal, as the owner told me, has been popular with ladies to place rings. It only sells for RMB 20.

There are two dozens of Chinese shadow puppets in the puppet section. Made of donkey or ox leather, those little figures are used for shadow play or home decoration. Each sells around RMB 150.

On the walls are some wood painting worked by a friend of the shop owner. The paintings portrait elegant ladies of old times, reflecting their loneliness and solitude after polygamy marriage. Each is priced at RMB 400.

The owner is a native Beijinger, who speaks fluent English and would like to share their insights on Chinese culture with foreign friends.