Beijing Friendship Store (Jianguo Menwai Street Branch)

Beijing Friendship Store was once the country’s most renowned foreign trade department store, catering primarily to foreign guests, diplomats and tourists. It was famous for selling ‘special-supply’ goods—such as calligraphy, paintings, antiques, silk and handicrafts—and for accepting payment in foreign exchange coupons. A distinctive symbol of the planned economy era, it has now evolved into a popular shopping destination for all kinds of consumers.