Small shop, cool stuff

Young city dwellers are caring more about the quality of designer goods, which is why the market has recently seen an influx of young designers with cool brands, to the benefit of all.

Planting a wall of green

Charlyon Tuan, 48, is a French Chinese who, after four years of living in Beijing, finally got tired of the city’s lack of green.

More shopping choices from designer sites

Instead of working up a sweat searching for original design or handicrafts around the city, try wowsai.com, which aims to become the Chinese version of etsy.com.

Natural soap works better for skin

As someone obsessed with lovely handmade soaps, Kou Jianxuan, 29, a creative director for two advertising agencies, decided to create his own brand, DEKOU.

Get closer to a hutong dream house

Last Saturday, Lost and Found opened its second store at the west entrance of Guozijian Jie, the same street as its first store that opened in 2008.

Ceramic kitchenware combines function and beauty

Ceramics serve a practical purpose, but Jiang Xue Zi is among a special breed of ceramists who truly believe in the artistic quality of the craft.

Be a kitchen magician with tricky appliances

Louisa Li, 30, is a full-time housewife who introduced Beijing Today to some magical kitchen appliances at a home party this summer. We asked her to share some knowledge on us about her wares.

Gifts for moms and their children

Although International Children’s Day and Mother’s Day are behind us, it’s always useful to know where to shop for gifts for parents and their kids. Beijing Today scouted two newly opened stores.

Architect tries hand with kitchenware, fashion and accessories

Zhang Yonghe, an architect who has worked in the US and who is known for his alternative designs, has taken his vision and applied it to more practical and everyday items.

Summer items from high-end Italian online boutique

According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, China spent $6.5 billion (43 billion yuan) on luxury goods in 2010, and the number of Chinese who spend on luxury goods will increase from 40 million to 160 million within the next five years.