Explore Xian Baxian’an Antique Market
If you’re interested in antique collections and cultural relics, exploring Baxian’an Antique Market is one of the best things to do in Xian, aside from visiting those museums.
Background of Baxian’an Antique Market
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, there was a temple for God of Fire at the south end of an alley in Xian city. The alley extends its way in the north of the temple, hence the name of the alley – North Fire Alley. Eight Immortals Palace (Baxian’an), a famous Taoist Temple in Xian, is located right in this old alley.
If you have plenty of time in Xian, it’s absolutely a good place to learn history and culture of this ancient city. A good option for in-depth Xian tours. Although the location of Baxian’an is not conspicuous, there are still many devotees who come to worship. The entrance fee is only RMB 3, and incenses can be offered for free, which renders great convenience for the general public and tourists whoever want to come by. As a result, the scene of people burning incenses to worship and praying for blessing is always frequently seen.
Out of the south gate of Baxian’an, turn left and walk about 50 meters, you will come to Baxian’an Antique Market. Its specific address is No. 23, North Fire Alley, Changlefang, Beilin District, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province.
Facts About Baxian’an Antique Market
As one of the two largest collectibles trading markets in Xian, Baxian’an Antique Market has a business area of more than 2,000 square meters. Apart from nearly a hundred shops, there are over 150 street stalls selling antiques. On both sides of the market, a variety of snacks and small commodities are displayed orderly, which composes a bustling scene of life, with hawkers and customers bargaining and talking consecutively.
Wandering along the Baxian’an Antique Market seems going back to the ancient times. Everything you see reveals the mark of time, as if it’s added with a faint yellow filter. Things like ornaments with Chairman Mao’s picture, various Buddhist beads bracelets, copper basins, swords, etc, always attract guests to linger and take a look.
Kind note: Not all the antiques are real that have hundreds or thousands years of history. Please just keep an open and casual mind if you browse in the market.
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A Treasure Hunt Journey to Baxian’an Antique Market
Baxian’an Antique Market can be regarded as a collective memory of old Xian people. Every Sunday, this place is bustling and lively, with various stores and stalls attracting antique enthusiasts and tourists.
This Xian antique market has a wide variety of collections, including handicrafts, ancient coins, old books, picture-story books, porcelain, pottery, antique furniture, jade, bronze ware, calligraphy and painting, commemorative medals, old-fashioned clocks, etc., full of antiques and old stuff that one expects to find.
It is worth mentioning that Xian Baxian’an Antique Market is a professional coin market, where almost all forms of currency in Chinese history can be seen, from cloth coins and knife coins to square-hole coins, copper coins, paper currency, silver dollars, silver ingots from various dynasties. In addition, the old books in the Baxian’an Antique Market are also a major highlight, with some specializing in old editions of books from the Republic of China; some specializing in old comic books, and some specializing in old magazines and old movie posters.
In the collector’s circle, “eyesight” is the most respected. People with high eyesight can even discover cultural relics from the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as precious antiques and artworks with stories in the Baxian’an Antique Market.
Welcome to explore Baxian’an Antique Market on Sunday during your Xian travel, to find some old stuff, trace history, and experience the ancient charm.
Compared to other Xian markets for antiques, the Baxian’an Antique Market has an advantage. Because it is close to this ancient temple, when strolling through the market, you can always smell a faint incense scent in your breath. This nostalgic scent gives people who wander among the old goods and antiques a time-traveling sense.
This is a distinctive street market suitable for City Walk in Xian. Tired of strolling through the Baxian’an Antique Market, you can go to some old restaurants nearby to taste authentic Xian food.
How to Get to Baxian’an Antique Market
- Subway Lines
Take Subway Line 1, get off at Kangfu Road Station; alternatively, take Subway Line 6, get off at Changle Gate Station, and walk approximately 800 meters to reach Baxian’an Antique Market.
- Nearby Bus Stops
- Intersection of Xinle Road and Changlefang Road (bus routes No. 20, 139)
- Anrenfang Station (bus routes No. 20, 139)
