Over the recent Tomb Sweeping Day long weekend, I embarked on a shopping trip of the two-wheeled gas-fueled variety. My search took me to the motorcycle markets of Jiuxianqiao and to a bike rally in the suburb of Shunyi.
Tucked in behind the Lido area in Beijing’s north east is the neighborhood of Jiuxianqiao (酒仙桥). Recently, this sprawling suburb has seen filthy street markets torn down and hutong houses demolished to make way for a new subway line and the imposing, Indigo Mall. Jiuxianqiao encompasses the area between 798 and Dongfengqiao on 4th Ring and is split in half by the Bahe River. This up-and-coming suburb is home to a large portion of Beijing’s motorcycle mechanics and shops and is one of the best places to mill around for your 2 or 3 wheeled vehicle of choice. The bikes for sale here are largely second hand and some really great finds can be discovered in piles of spare parts and rusty gas tanks.
For the more discerning bike-lover, you can find some artistic treats on these often beat up motorbikes and scooters.
Several of Beijing’s most prolific bike enthusiasts and motorcycle club members rode their Changjiang 750s out to Green T. House Living which hosted a bike and fashion show on Sunday. Changjiangs are the sidecar motorcycles, once produced for the Chinese military. They are based on the WWII German bike, the BMW R71 and are popular with Beijing’s expats. The bike rally included a BBQ, drinks and the odd combination of pained models in couture gowns and leather-clad bikers rocking out to CCR.
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