Treasure Or Not?

Following the growing income of Chinese people in recent years, the antique collection market is thriving. A great number of antique markets have sprung up across the country and some have grown very famous.

The Shenyang Road Antique Market, established in Tianjin Municipality in 1987, is one of the most well-known markets in north China today. Apart from numerous stores and an array of products, the most distinguished feature of Shenyang Road is that it maintains the socalled “ghost market” concept—a flea market open late at night on every Thursday featuring sales of both genuine and fake antiques. The"midnight market" is a unique trade tradition that dates back hundreds of years. In general,antiques sold at the market are not expensive.Buyers need to be more than just a little weary.

At 5 o’clock before dawn on March 21,antiquarians unfolded their “precious treasures” on the ground along Shenyang Road.Collectors from near and far selected objects by torch light. Whether they can find the real deal or counterfeits all depends on knowledge and experience. The weekly midnight market,blessed with the thrill of opportunity and risk,has continued for many years and has become an interesting cultural event in the region.

(Text and photos by Wei Yao)