Design-led Souvenirs in Beijing

For artsy knick-knacks head to the Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art (UCCA), established by Belgian art collectors Guy and Myriam Ullens. As well as a splurge-worthy gift shop, there’s a fab array of local and international designers; shop for everything from handmade leather bags and photographic prints to artwork, books, sculpture and more.

Bibliophiles beeline to the Book Design Shop, a veritable temple of cult tomes. Housed in a petite courtyard studio, many of the curated collections have been personally sourced and imported by founder Tony Li. Browse indie magazines, local and international lit and artsy, edgy stationery. You’ll be hard pushed to leave empty handed.

Founded by Dutch art maven Machtelt Schelling, uber-cool Ubi Gallery in historic Dashilar, is a trove of statement jewellery located in the historic Dashilar district. Showcasing emerging Chinese and international contemporary artists, all of the pieces are unique or limited edition. Fans rave about the highly covetable modern ceramics and use of precious materials in many of the designs. Shop shop!

UCCA Design Store / 798 Art District / 4 Jiuxianqiao L / Chaoyang / +86 10 5780 0224 / 10am-7pm Tue-Sun / ucca.org.cn

 Book Design Shop / No. 23 / Yangmeizhu Xiejie / Dashilar / +86 10 8319 7844 / 11am-8pm Tue-Sun / bookdesignshop.org

Ubi Gallery / 62 Yangmeizhu Byway / Xicheng / +86 10 6301 2382 / 10am-6.30pm daily / ubigallery.com