Vintage clothes in Beijing's rock'n'roll neighborhood of Gulou

In Beijing’s headlong rush toward the future, “old” has almost become a dirty word. But for the city’s indie tastemakers, vintage has become a virtue in itself. Taobao (the Chinese Ebay -- Mandarin only) has become a mecca for hipsters buying and selling retro clothing. But there are also a few shops around town, with the highest concentration in the rock’n’roll neighborhood of Gulou.

Here are a few good spots to dig into the style of decades past. If you can’t make it in person, try their Chinese-only Taobao sites, though shipping abroad may be a challenge.

Underground Kidz

Entering Underground Kidz feels like stepping into a rock star’s closet -– which makes sense, as it was founded by one. Liu Hao, bassist of Joyside (one of Beijing’s hardest-partying bands,) stocks his shop with classics like black leather jackets (RMB 1,800-3,000), Twiggy-esque flats (RMB 900), and patchwork leather bags (RMB 100-350). But those mint condition Sex Pistols LP’s? Not for sale. After you’re done shopping for your 1975 world tour, you can carry it all away in the signature Underground Kidz tote bag which reads “We all love second-hand clothing and vintage shop” in English and Chinese (RMB 45).

Buy on Taobao: Underground Kidz on Taobao
Shop information: 69-2 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District, tel: +86 10 8401 2346, +86 136 1111 3460, hours: 2pm - 10pm


Bye Bye Disco

Bye Bye Disco is run by another indie rock luminary -– Pang Kuan of new wave duo New Pants. Named after one of their songs, the tiny shop carries candy-colored clothing and accessories with a strong 1980s vibe and a nod to mid-century Chinese design. Pick up a deadstock (old but never worn) track jacket emblazoned with “Beijing” (RMB 299) or a retro-reproduction of a Shanghai-logo travel bag (RMB 389). Drool a little over the extensive selection of vintage Chinese sneakers, including the rarely-seen Feiyue high-tops (RMB 169). You can even pick up a vintage Casio calculator watch (RMB 900) to take you back to your childhood.

Website: byebyedisco.com
Buy on Taobao: Bye Bye Disco on Taobao
Shop information: 38-2 Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District, tel: +86 10 6402 5581, hours: 11am - 10pm


Lost & Found

Le Petit Chat celebrates nostalgia with vintage-inspired homeware and clothing, ranging from 1950s Shanghai alarm clocks (RMB 85) to traditional Taiwanese school bags (RMB 278). Most items are new reproductions or limited-edition pieces, including the classic Chinese tea thermoses adorned with bright flowers and Double Happiness patterns (RMB 78). These custom designs are doe by Lost & Found, a kindred shop near the Lama Temple founded by American expat Paul Gelinas. Lost & Found has also created updates of iconic Beijing chairs (ranging from RMB 450-2,980).

Le Petit Chat
Website: lpchatshop.com
Buy on Taobao: Le Petit on TaoBao
Shop information: 47 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng District, hours: 11:30am - 9pm

Lost and Found
Website: lost-and-found.cn
Shop information: 42 Guozijian, Dongcheng District, tel: +86 10 6401 1855, hours: 10:30am – 8pm

Old Town Girls

One of the pioneers of the Gulou vintage scene, Old Town Girls doesn’t appear to be open at the moment, but the faithful live in hope that it might be resurrected. In the meantime, get your Old Town fix from their online Taobao shop. For winter, check out the 1980s sweater dresses in colors that would make Bill Cosby proud (RMB 95).

Website: Old Town Girls
Buy on Taobao: Old Town Girls on Taobao
Shop information: (Currently only available online) 97-2 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District, tel: +86 136-01309366, hours: 11am - 9pm