Top 10 Markets in Beijing – More Than Just Shopping

For people who love shopping, tasting delicious food, and exploring historical culture, Beijing is undoubtedly a paradise-like existence. Now, let’s explore the top 10 popular shopping markets in Beijing. From modern shopping malls, traditional hutongs to characteristic food market, you can experience the authentic and diverse local life and learn about the city from a different perspective.

These distinctive market place are all top shopping destinations in Beijing, offering a rich blend of of history, culture, cuisine and shopping exploration. Every year, they attract countless tourists to travel to Beijing.

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• 1. Silk Street (Xiushui Market)
• 2. Panjiayuan Antique Market
• 3. Hongqiao Pearl Market
• 4. Wangfujing Shopping Street
• 5. TaiKoo Li Sanlitun
• 6. Qianmen Street (Dashilan)
• 7. Gui Street
• 8. Nanluoguxiang Hutong
• 9. Yandai Xie Street Market
• 10. Sanyuanli Food Market
• Top Beijing Markets at a Glance
• Essential Tips for Visiting the Markets in Beijing
• Explore the Essence of Beijing with China Xian Tour

1. Silk Street (Xiushui Market) -Best Shopping Places for Souvenirs

• Location: 8 Xiushui East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing
• Opening hours: 09:30-21:00
• How to get to: Metro line 1 or 17: Yonganli Station
• What to buy: Various high-quality souvenirs, customized clothing

Silk Street (Xiushui Market or Silk Market) is the most influential international tourist shopping street in China, on par with the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, and has become a shopping landmark for many foreign tourists during their China tours.

Silk Street gathers a vast array of high-quality “Beijing Gifts”, including silk products, tea, porcelain, clothing, pearls and other Chinese origin specialty goods. So it is praised by Chinese and foreign tourists as the ”best purchasing point for Beijing souvenirs”.

Some clothing stores also offer high-end customization services. So you can customize a set of Chinese clothing for yourself. After selecting the styles and fabrics and measuring the customized sizes, you can continue your tour and pick up your clothing on the 2^nd day.

Insider Shopping Tips:

1. With a large flow of people on weekends, it is recommended to visit there on weekdays.
2. Start bargaining from half of the marked price. When the store just opens in the morning or closes in the evening, merchants are more willing to give a lower price.

2. Panjiayuan Antique Market -Largest Flea Market

• Location: 18 Hua Weili, Chaoyang district, Beijing
• How to get to: Metro line 10: Panjia Yuan Station
• What to buy: Antiques, artworks, and second-hand goods
• Opening Hours:

Day	Opening Hours
Monday to Tuesday	09:00 – 21:00 (summer), 09:00 – 20:00 (winter)
Wednesday	09:00 – 23:00 (all year round)
Thursday	09:00 – 21:00 (summer), 09:00 – 20:00 (winter)
Friday	09:00 – 23:00 (all year round)
Saturday	06:00 – 23:00 (summer), 07:00 – 23:00 (winter)
Sunday	07:00 – 21:00 (summer), 07:00 – 20:00 (winter)

Note: Summer period: April 8 – October 7; Winter period: October 8 – April 7.

Covering an area of 4,8500 sq m, Panjiayuan Antique Market is the largest flea market in Beijing, China and a shopping paradise for people of all ages. The most famous is the “ghost market” on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Panjiayuan Antique Market gathers various antiques, artworks, and second-hand goods, including jewelry and jade, porcelain, furniture, carving, calligraphy and painting, the four treatments of study, ancient books, coins, etc. It is an excellent market in Beijing to purchase and appreciate antiques, handicrafts, collectibles, and decorations.

Shopping Tips:

1. Saturday is the best time to experience the bustling atmosphere of the market, when all the stores and stalls are open and there is a night market and snack street in the evening.
2. If you have selected the desired goods, check whether there are blemishes and begin bargaining from one-third or even one-fifth of the marked price. Please note that once the seller accepts your price, you are expected to purchase it. So bargain only when you have decided to buy the it.
3. The price differences are usually quite obvious, remember to make a comparison among several stalls.
4. There is a free appraisal desk at the entrance of Area B of the market, where you can request a preliminary inspectionfor high-priced items, like porcelain and bronze wares.

3. Hongqiao Pearl Market – Pearl Kingdom

• Location: 9 Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• Opening hours: 10:00-19:30
• How to get to: Metro line 5: Tiantandongmen Station
• What to buy: High-quality pearls, customized accessories
• Nearby attractions: The Temple of Heaven. The fifth-floor terrace of the market offers a distant view of the Temple of Heaven Park.

The third and fourth floors of the Hongqiao Market are oceans of pearls. On the third floor, counters are densely packed, offering a wide variety of styles for you to choose from, including saltwater and freshwater pearls.

On the fourth floor, pearls are relatively high-end, and the prices are also slightly higher. However, the fourth floor provides authentication certificate services, allowing you to shop free of worry.

Many stores also offer high-end customization services. They will design and bead on site based on your preference to create a unique piece of jewelry for you.

Besides pearls, the market also sells high-quality goods like Hetian Jade, custom-made clothing, etc.

Shopping Tips:

1. Prices are marked clearly in most stores, making bargaining more difficult. But those without clear marked price or with handwritten price tags still allow for reasonable negotiation.
2. Freshwater pearls are good value for money and suitable for daily wear. Saltwater pearls are of higher quality and also more expensive.
3. You can request to view the certificate when purchasing the pearls.

4. Wangfujing Shopping Street – Prosperous Modern Shopping Circle

• Location: North of East Chang’an Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• Opening hours: 24 hours; shopping malls along the street: 10:00 – 22:00
• How to get to: Metro line 1 or 8: Wangfujing Station; Metro line 1: Dongdan Station
• What to buy: High-end luxury goods, authentic local foods
• Nearby Attraction: Palace Museum, Tian’anmen Square

Wangfujing is one of the most famous market streets in Beijing. Here, various international brands and local specialty stores are gathered. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury goods or time-honored brands, Wangfujing Street can meet your needs. At night, the bright lights add a unique flavor.

As a shopping street with a history of hundreds of years, Wangfujing is known as the “Golden Street” in Beijing for its unique commercial atmosphere and rich variety of goods. This open street gathers many shopping malls, such as Wangfujing Department Store, Beijing APM, Oriental Plaza, as well as time-honored food brands, such as Quanjude Peking Duck, Donglaishun Peking Copper Hotpot, and Daoxiangcun Pastries.

Shopping Tips:

1. From dusk to evening is the best time to visit the street, when the dazzling lights are on, offering a better atmosphere.
2. Stay away from role-players like “copper men” who actively solicit youfor photos, as they will ask for a high fee afterwards.

5. TaiKoo Li Sanlitun – Top-notch Fashion Landmark

• Location: 19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
• Opening hours:10:00-22:00
• How to get to: Metro line 3 or 17: Worker’s Stadium Station
• What to buy: Luxury goods, fashion brands

Taikoo Li Sanlitun is the first open-style shopping market in Beijing, integrating shopping, dining, hotels, entertainment, lifestyle and leisure. In 2019, Taikoo Li Sanlitun was rated as a national five-star shopping center.

As a fashion landmark in Beijing, Taikoo Li Sanlitun is renowned for its unique modern architectural style and abundant dining and entertainment options. It is divided into three major areas – South Area, North Area and West Area, covering an area of about 61,014 square meters, composed of 30 relatively independent single buildings.

Numerous internationally renowned brands and specialty stores attract young people to pursue fashion here. Taikoo Li Sanlitun also has many exquisite cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it a hot Beijing market for young people and a great place to enjoy urban nightlife during Beijing tours.

Shopping Tips:

1. South Area is the gathering place of various fashion brands, North Area is a paradise of international top luxuries, and West Area integrates life-oriented and flagship experiences.
2. There aremany street photographers in the blocks. If you don’t want to be photographed, just decline politely.

6. Qianmen Street (Dashilan) – Experience Life of Old Beijing

• Location: Located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, from Zhengyangmen Watchtower in the north toYong’an Road in the south, with a total length of 1,400 meters and a width of 20 meters.
• Opening hours: all day
• How to get to: Metro line 2 or 8: Qianmen Station; metro line 7 or 8: Zhushikou Station
• What to buy: Authentic local snacks, specialties and souvenirs
• Nearby attractions: Palace Museum, Tian’anmen Square

Qianmen Street (Dashilan) carries the memories of old Beijing, with many historically significant old-brand shops preserved on both sides of the street. Strolling here, not only can you taste authentic Beijing snacks, but you can also feel the strong traditional cultural atmosphere.

As a historical and cultural ancient street in Beijing, Qianmen Street is a gathering area for Chinese time-honored brands, such as Liu Biju Sauce Shop, Duyichu Shaomai Restaurant, and Qianxiangyi Silk Shop. It is also an important intangible cultural heritage immersive experience area in Beijing and a great Beijing market to buy local specialties and souvenirs.

Shopping tips:

• The internet-famous snacks on the main street usually cost more. If you want to taste more authentic flavors, it is advised to dive deep into the nearby hutongs.
• It is not recommended to take the Dangdang Bus, which only covers the 800-meter-long main street, but costs CNY 20 – 50. You can easily explore the area on foot instead.

Related reading: Beijing Local Lifestyle

7. Gui Street – Paradise of Late-night Meals

• Location: Located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, from Dongzhimen Overpass in the east to Jiaodaokou East Street in the west, with a total length of 1,472 meters.
• Opening hours: 24 hours; peak time: 20:00 to dawn
• How to get to: Metro line 5 or capital airport line: Beixinqiao Station, metro line 2 or 13: Dongzhimen Station
• What to eat: Spicy Crayfish, Spicy Crab, Spicy Hot Pot, Barbecue
• Nearby attractions: Yonghe Lama Temple, Beijing Confucian Temple and the Imperial College

Gui Street (Guijie or Guijie Street) is one of the most famous night markets in Beijing. Gui Street is renowned for its rich dining options and lively atmosphere, and is known as the “Dining Street of Beijing”. Here, not only are there various traditional Beijing snacks, but also delicious dishes from all over China and even the world, making it a paradise for foodies.

As a popular food landmark, Gui Street in Beijing gathers many cuisines from Sichuan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Northeast, etc., with the main characteristics of “Ma Xiao (spicy crayfish), Spicy Crab, Spicy Hot Pot, Barbecued Fish, Barbecued String”. The businesses here have long established a night-time business model, therefore Gui Street is the food market in Beijing with the most 24-hour dining services and restaurants.

Dining Tips:

1. If you want to experience the bustling nightlife atmosphere, the best time to visit is after 20:00, but it may be crowded.
2. The spicy crayfish are usually sold by the piece, with larger ones costing more. It is recommended to try a half-and-half with spicy and garlic flavors.
3. Considering your health, it is better to choose a restaurant with an open kitchen.

8. Nanluoguxiang Hutong – Most Representative Hutong Commercial District

• Location: Located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, from Drum Tower East Street in the north to Ping’an Avenue in the north, with a total length of 787 meters and a width of 8 meters.
• Opening hours for shops: 10:00 – 21:00
• How to get to: Metro line 6 or 8: Nanluogu Xiang Station
• What to buy: Various kinds of local snacks, souvenirs
• Nearby attractions: Shichashai Park, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park

Nanluoguxiang Hutong is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing, with a history of over 740 years. It is also a well-known tourist attraction with well-developed commercial facilities. Nanluoguxiang Hutong is lined with numerous trendy bars, yummy restaurants, unique hostels, lively themed stores and itinerant vendors. It is not only a historic alley with the charm of old Beijing, but also a hot topic reported by many fashion magazines.

Nanluoguxiang Hutong is one of the most artistic alleys in Beijing. Snack stalls and cafes here are well arranged. From old Beijing yogurt, sugar Youbing (deep-fried dough-cake) to cheese cake, latte coffee, every kind of food complements the unique atmosphere of the hutongs.

Visiting Tips:

1. It is not advised to taste the snacks sold on the main street, which are expensive and the taste is just so-so. Try to find more authentic snacks in the side alleys.
2. To avoid crowds, you can visit there after 16:00.

9. Yandai Xie Street Market – Enjoy a Slow-paced Local Life

• Location: Located in Xicheng District, Beijing, from Di’anmen Outer Street in the east to Xiaoshibei Hutong in the west, with a total length of 232 meters and an average width of 4 meters.
• Opening hours for shops: 10:00 – 21:00
• How to get to: Metro line 8: Shichahai Station
• What to buy: Antiques, jade, silk and other souvenirs
• Nearby attractions: Shichashai Park

Formed in the Yuan Dynasty, Yandai Xie Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. In the late Qing Dynasty, it mainly engaged in the business of tobacco pipes, smoking accessories, antique calligraphy and painting, and was known as the “Little Liuli Factory”. Yandai Xiejie is home to several heritage sites that collectively preserve the authentic charm of a traditional Beijing hutong.

You can explore shops selling antiques, jade, silk, and traditional Beijing snacks, interspersed with trendy bars and quaint eateries, all set against a backdrop of typical Northern Chinese architecture. Aside from the fun pieces of art and minority crafts you’ll find here, it’s also just a fun getaway to enjoy the old hutongs and sit down at a local cafe.

Visiting Tips:

1. Prices for similar items can vary between shops, so it is better to compare the prices of different stores and select those with unique designs.
2. There are still local people living inside the hutong, please do not take photos or enter the private courtyard without permission.

10. Sanyuanli Food Market – Food Materials from All over the World

• Location: 1 Shunyuan Street, East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
• Opening hours: 08:00-18:00
• How to get to: Metro line 10: Liangmaqiao Station
• What to buy: All kinds of ingredients all over the world
• Must-try: Cheese, Mexican avocado, Fresh Crayfish

Known as one of the most beautiful eight food markets in China, Sanyuanli Food Market in Beijing provides fresh ingredients from all over the world, with elegant environment and superior quality. It is the top 1 internet-famous food market in Beijing, as well as a paradise of cuisine.

Established in 1992, this Beijing market has become a go-to place for fresh produce, meats, seafood, and a variety of other groceries, with a business area of 1,560 square meters and 139 booths. Not just about the freshness and quality of the products, Sanyuanli Food Market is also known for its friendly atmosphere and the interaction between local vendors and customers.

Shopping Tips:

1. Visit there on weekday mornings, when the food materials are freshest and the crowds are fewer.
2. Seafood stalls usually offer processing services for free.
3. Most vendors can communicate with customers in simple English, so it is friendly to foreigners.

Related reading: Biggest Shopping Malls in China

Top Beijing Markets at a Glance

Market	Best for	Vibe	Highlights
Silk Street (Xiushui Market)	High-quality “Beijing Gifts”, such as silk, tea, porcelain	Lively and bustling	The best place to experience bargaining
Panjiayuan Antique Market	Antiques, artworks, and second-hand goods	Antique	The ghost market opened on Saturday mornings
Hongqiao Pearl Market	pearls and artwares	Ocean of pearls	Internationally renowned “Pearl Market”, can select and customize on site
Wangfujing Shopping Street	High-end luxury goods or authentic snacks	Prosperous and commercial	One-stop shopping with fixed price
TaiKoo Li Sanlitun	International brands and trendy items	Vital, trendy, international and modern	Fashion center with abundant designer clothing, abundant nightlife
Qianmen Street (Dashilan)	Local specialties and souvenirs	Traditional and cultural	Various time-honored brands
Gui Street	Traditional Beijing snacks and cuisines from all over China	Lively night market	Bustling night market
Nanluoguxiang Hutong	Various kinds of food and cultural and creative products	Artistic	Authentic life atmosphere of old Beijing
Yandai Xie Street Market	Antiques, jade, silk, and traditional Beijing snacks	Cultural	Plenty of characteristic stores sell various interesting trinkets
Sanyuanli Food Market	Fresh imported ingredients, fresh produce, meats, seafood, and groceries	International	Feel the international life in Beijing, best for food lovers

Essential Tips for Visiting the Markets in Beijing

Payment methods

It is undoubtedly that the mobile payment is the main method. Alipay and Wechat Pay are supported in most markets and stores. So it is recommended to bind your international credit card in advance. In some large shopping malls like Wangfujing, Visa and Mastercard can be used directly. But it is better to prepare some petty cash, because some stalls or stores inside the hutongs accept cash only.

Bargaining Tips

The first thing you should know is that in the open markets and handicraft stalls, you can negotiate with the owner, but in shopping malls, bargaining is usually not allowed. Then how to bargain? After selecting the goods, ask the merchant with a smile, “Can it be cheaper?” The merchant often gives a discount voluntarily. Then, start bargaining at 30% to 50% of the offer. Generally speaking, 60% – 70% of the offer is the acceptable final price. If failed, leave politely, the merchant sometimes may persuade you to stay. The main principle is to be friendly all the time.

What to Buy in Beijing

There are many characteristic souvenirs for tourists to choose from. Here are the main types and recommended gifts.

• Traditional handicrafts: cloisonne jewel cases or ornaments, Beijing Opera facial masks, paper-cutting
• Specialties:candied fruits, Fuling pancake sandwich, Liu Biju pickles, scented tea
• Cultural and creative products: Bookmarks, postcards, accessories
• Practical souvenirs: silk, traditional Chinese clothing