Two years ago, I wrote about a little shop called Zian Print and Graphics in Fangjia Hutong for the magazine. I still think about the missed opportunity to buy a framed, turn-of-the-century original front section of a French newspaper depicting the Boxer Rebellion – complete with color illustrations of men in queues and Chinese dress. At RMB 600, it was a bargain.

Luckily, October will be a great month to revisit the shop. Throughout the month, customers who spend RMB 300 or more will receive a commemorative gift in honor of Zian’s third anniversary.

There will also be a guest exhibition by Chinese graphic artist Jiang Lin, who combines Chinese elements with western engraving. He will display his Four Seasons series and smaller pieces depicting hutong life. All works will be on sale for RMB 300-1,800 each.

Zian is a great place to buy prints for your house or unique gifts for people back home. There’s a range of smaller prints and postcards for those with a limited budget.

The owner, who’s a father of two, is passionate about all things book plates and prints; he’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the origins of the pieces in his shop – in excellent English, too.

Photo courtesy of Zian Print and Graphics