Anyway, this article will confine itself to what's available at the major flea markets. The story goes that impoverished nobles and scholars as well as thieving servants sold paintings, curios and books here for cash. In recent years, the government has rebuilt the place and the street now houses fancy galleries and a flea market section. The flea market is housed indoors within the ornate buildings. You can find late Qing or Republican era vases, plates, cups as well as plenty of dubious items.
Wood carvings are popular with tourists.
Bear in mind that things like paintings, and embroidery like purses and shoes could be newly made and smoked over fire to give them that old look. Other flea markets in Beijing have more or less the same things but the more way-out areas such as the Beijing Curio City are generally more flexible in bargaining. I also bought beautiful silk cheongsams of the 1920s. The key to success is to have enough time to browse. Antique embroidery at the Liu Li Chang.