Beijing antiques shop opens branch in Hong Kong

A recent newcomer on the bustling art scene there is Rong Bao Zhai, a well-known antiques shop here in Beijing. The shop and gallery has just set up a branch next to Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour.

Dozens of art works by renowned contemporary painters Huang Yongyu and Fan Yang offer a glimpse of the prestigious collections owned by Rong Bao Zhai.

Just behind London and New York, Hong Kong packs the biggest punches in the art world. A recent newcomer on the bustling art scene there is Rong Bao Zhai, a well-known antiques shop here in Beijing. The shop and gallery has just set up a branch next to Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour.

Th antiques shop turned art gallery Rong Bao Zhai is over three-hundred years old. This veritable institution is located in the bustling antiques street Liulichang in central Beijing, and has now branched out to Hong Kong. The establishment has been collecting treasured paintings, calligraphy and other antiques since opening during emperor Kangxi's reign in 1672. It also boasts many cultural heritages, some of which also appear at the Hong Kong store, ready for the opening. Woodblock printing, picture mounting and painting restoration are all demonstrated here.

Dozens of art works by renowned contemporary painters Huang Yongyu and Fan Yang offer a glimpse of the prestigious collections owned by Rong Bao Zhai. And the works by the two painters are highly sought after. The price of Chinese paintings have been rising steadily in both auctions and art fairs, and another stage in Hong Kong is sure to help more Chinese artists and their work head overseas. Hong Kong's favourable tax policies and its affinity to the outside world has been a big lure to brands from the mainland. Rong Bao Zhai hopes its new Hong Kong store will become as legendary as it is in Beijing.