Beijing Hotels: Nearby Zi Ying Xuan Sculpture Shop

I was surprised to find so many prize-winning artworks are included in one shop - Zi Ying Xuan, which sells root-sculpture works made by owner Ma Zi Ying, and other hand-made wooden tea table and purses made by Ma's friends. It is not far from some of Beijing's best accomadations.

I was first attracted by those beautiful and professional photos on the glass window taken by Mr Ma. Then I thought it was a teashop as I saw Mr Ma chatting with friends over tea. But at last, Mr Ma correct me, saying he is a root sculptor.

The shop carries many his root-carving works, three of which have won prize in Liu Kaiqu (one famous sculptor in China)contest. They are "Struggle" featuring a man struggling to free himself from all the restrictions ( golden prize), "Tai Ji" reflecting a concept in Taoism, which means the infinite (silver prize) and Nu Wa's repairing stone telling the people creator Nu Wa's repairing sky story (bronze prize). But Mr Ma's favorite is the "Dragon Spirit", a sculpture in shape of a flying dragon. The root, grew in virgin forest in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has a history of more than 1500 years.

Zi Ying Xuan also sells hand-made purses, which are designed by Mr Ma's friends. I personally like the leather one with a curving totem of original dragon in Chinese fairy tales. It is priced at RMB 60.