If you’ve walked through Beijing’s Dongsi Beidajie area, you’ve felt it—that perfect mix of old and new. This lively street is packed with local noodle shops, modern cafes, and traditional bakeries, creating a vibrant atmosphere that both locals and visitors love. But hidden among these popular spots are some of Beijing’s most fascinating historical secrets, including a special place that feels frozen in time: the Beixinqiao Trust Shop (北新桥信托商行). It’s the perfect starting point for an Old Beijing exploration.
In older Beijing, before shopping malls and online stores, the city had a different kind of place for buying and selling—Trust Shops (信托商店). During times when people had smaller incomes and many items were hard to find, these shops became essential. When regular department stores were too expensive, Trust Shops offered a practical alternative.
These shops worked as friendly middlemen. If you had something you didn’t need—maybe a camera, furniture, or clothing—you could bring it to the shop. The staff would help set a fair price, and then display it for others to buy. If it sold, the shop took a small fee; if not, you could simply take it back. This system helped everyone make the most of what they had.
Trust shops used to be all over Beijing, but each had its specialty. Some focused on cameras and watches, others on furniture, and then there was Beixinqiao Trust Shop—famous for bicycles.
📍 Address & Directions: Building 43, Dongsi North Street, Beijing
For the exact location and transit options, you can check the official map via Beijing Tourism’s transportation guide.
During its peak, this shop sold everything from complete bikes to spare parts, becoming the go-to place for bicycle lovers.
People came here for many reasons—some needed money, others were upgrading their furniture, and some were moving house. But for every seller, there was a buyer. Many visitors came just to look around, yet careful shoppers often discovered real treasures among the items.
Most trust shops have disappeared, replaced by modern shopping centers, but Beixinqiao Trust Shop remains. It no longer focuses only on bicycles, yet it maintains that old Beijing spirit. When you step inside, you enter a different era—one with worn wooden counters, vintage items, and the quiet atmosphere of old Beijing. Inside the counter, you’ll find old curios like jade carvings and pendants, bracelets, wristwatches, table clocks, and pocket watches. Who knows, you might just find a unique treasure to take home.
The best part? It’s located in the Dongsi Beidajie area (Dongsi North Street), where you can combine history with great local food. After exploring the trust shop, you can enjoy authentic Beijing noodles, try modern coffee shops, and experience the daily life of this vibrant neighborhood.
🍰 Local Tip: Don’t miss the Daoxiangcun bakery (北京稻香村(第一店)) on Dongsi Beidajie, where you can try uniquely shaped traditional Beijing pastries. The nearby cafes are also perfect for relaxing. For a quiet, culturally rich break, head to 联合社 Tea&Cafe (located just 350m south of Beixinqiao Trust Shop). It serves both tea and coffee, and often holds small art exhibitions – a lovely spot to chat with friends and soak in the local vibe.
📱 Planning Your Visit: For more tips on navigating Beijing like a local, check out our blog’s guide to English-friendly apps for China travel – it’ll make your exploration much smoother!
Now that you’ve uncovered a piece of Beijing’s hidden history, why not dive deeper? Join Our Beijing Experiences for a guided local experience through hutongs, hidden shops, and food spots that tell the city’s untold stories.
🎯 Book Your Beijing Cultural Tour Today!
Don’t just visit Beijing—understand it. Let us show you the city we love!