Rongbaozhai (荣宝斋）

Rongbaozhai is located just west of Liulichang Street in Beijing. The studio mainly sells paintings, Chinese calligraphy and seals by famous figures. Especially noteworthy are the block prints that employ illuminating water colors.

Rongbaozhai is a term meaning the Studio of Glorious Treasures. It has preserved a dozen valuable works, including numerous cultural relics and a piece of Tianhuang stone weighing in at 4,275 grams, the heaviest of its kind in the world.

Rongbaozhai's history more than likely dates back to Qing dynasty, about 300 years ago. Its predecessor is Songzhuzhai, sold art, writing paper and "four treasures of the study" (brushes, ink, paper and ink stones). Its paper was once selected and used during imperial civil examinations and this gave the shop great prestige and promoted the sale of its goods.

But later, the economic and political economy took a downturn, which casted Songzhuzhai's business in turmoil and later, an immeasurable debt. Later the owner of Songzhuzhai appointed another person to manage the shop and replaced the shop's name as Rongbaozhai, which means a place of masters, friends and the glorious treasures. By their unique skills in watercolor on block printing, Rongbaozhai finally survived their economic trials and bounced back afterwards. Owing to their success, they’ve become a well-known locale.

As the best representative of Beijing style and the top industrial player nationwide, time-honored brand Rong Bao Zhai boasts unique, complete technological process in the mounting and restoration technique of ancient calligraphy and painting works.