An essential stop for those looking to develop an appreciation (or at least an understanding) of Peking Opera. Located next to the People's Theater, this tiny shop is crammed with DVDs and CDs featuring Peking opera's leading man, Mei Lanfang. Traditionally, only three instruments were essential -- the ubiquitous two-stringed erhu; its smaller cousin, the jinghuu; and the banjolike yueqiin. Elegant handmade versions of all three are found here. Lessons can be arranged. Open daily 8am to 6:30pm.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Beijing, 5th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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