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

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

In the of clay products section, I picked up a small, stripped-color kitty with its tail pointing up. This lovely animal, as the owner told me, is popular with ladies as a place to put their 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 and home decoration. Each sells around RMB 150.

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