Welcome to our comprehensive travel guide on “Top 10 Best Markets in Beijing.” This bustling capital city, known for its seamless blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements, offers a shopping experience like no other.
From the labyrinthine alleyways brimming with history to the sprawling modern markets, Beijing’s shopping scene caters to every whim and fancy.
Whether you’re a food enthusiast, an antique lover, or in search of authentic silk, this guide will take you through the best markets in Beijing. Each market has its own unique charm and specialty, promising not only a shopping spree but also a deep dive into the local culture and lifestyle. Get ready to explore the vibrant and diverse markets of Beijing, where every turn brings a new discovery and every purchase tells a story.
1. Panjiayuan Antique Market 潘家园旧货市场
Panjiayuan Antique Market, a haven for antique enthusiasts, is a must-visit destination in Beijing. Known for its vast collection of Chinese cultural and historical artifacts, this market is akin to a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Check out Panjiayuan Ghost Market: A Guide to Beijing’s Night Antique Bazaar for more information.
From exquisite porcelain to memorabilia from the Cultural Revolution, the range of items available is staggering. The market truly comes alive on weekends, starting as early as 4:30 am, when vendors from across China gather to display their collections on simple blankets spread out on the ground.
Location and Directions
Panjiayuan is located at No.18, Huaweili Road, a short walk from the Panjiayuan Bridge along the southeastern section of the Third Ring Road.
The simplest way to get to Panjiayuan Market is to take subway line 10 to Panjiayuan Station and exit at Exit C1. Once outside, turn around and head north along the sidewalk for about 30 meters. You’ll see the East Gate entrance to Panjiayuan Antique Market (also known as the “Ghost Market”) on your left.
Panjiayuan Ghost Market Opening Hours
Wednesday: 9:00 – 23:00 all year round
Friday: 9:00 – 23:00 all year round
Panjiayuan Antique Market Opening Hours
Summer Time （ April 8- Oct 7); Winter Time (Oct 8-April 7)
Monday and Tuesday: 90:00 – 21:00 ( Summer Time ); 9:00 – 20:00 ( Winter Time)
Thursday: 90:00 – 21:00 ( Summer Time ); 9:00 – 20:00 ( Winter Time)
Saturday and Sunday: 90:00 – 21:00 ( Summer Time ); 9:00 – 20:00 ( Winter Time)
Note: For the best experience, visit on Wednesdays and Fridays when the market is particularly active.
2. Daliushu Flea Market 北京大柳树市场
Daliushu Market is known as the largest flea market in Beijing. It is said that there are things here you’ve never seen before and nothing you can’t find. If you’re looking for quality items at reasonable prices or simply enjoy treasure hunting, this is the place to visit.
Daliushu Market is renowned for its extensive selection of antiques and second-hand goods. You can find items such as porcelain, paintings, furniture, and bronze wares. These items not only hold historical value but also have significant collectible value.
Check out A Complete Guide to Beijing Daliushu Ghost Market for more detailed information.
The market is a paradise for collectors. You can find stamps, coins, medals, old books, and more. Many collectors discover their prized possessions here.
Location and How to Get There
The address: located between Daliushu Road and Xiaowuji Road in Chaoyang District, Beijing
位于北京市朝阳区的大柳树路与小武基路之间
You can take Line 7 and get off at “Nanlouzizhuang” Station (南楼梓庄站）， exit at Exit C ( Southeast). Then walk on the sideway to the north and then the east along Daliushu Road for 200-350 meters, you will see the huge market complex.
Check out A Complete Guide to Beijing Daliushu Ghost Market for more detailed information.
Opening Hours
The street is accessible throughout the day.
Day Market: 8:00 – 17:30
Night Market ( Ghost Market ):
( Tuesday): 17:00 – Midnight
(Thursday): 17:00 – Midnight
3. Silk Street Market 秀水市场
Introduction:
Silk Street Market, established in 1977 and renovated in 2019, is a modern, department-store-like complex that has transformed from the old outdoor market. It’s a hotspot for tourists and locals alike, offering a vast array of goods, including silk products, tailored clothes, shoes, bags, and souvenirs.
The market spans over seven floors and is renowned for its bargaining culture, making it an exciting destination for those looking for quality products at negotiable prices.
Location and How to Get There
Located at 8 Xiushui East Street in the Chaoyang District, the Silk Street Market is easily accessible. The most convenient way is by subway: take line 1 to Yonganli Station and exit from Exit A. For bus travelers, routes 1, 9, 28, 37, 43, 120, 126, 403, 639, 640, 668, 728, and 729 stop at Yonganli Station.
该市场位于朝阳区秀水东街8号，交通十分便利。最方便的方式是乘坐地铁：乘坐1号线到永安里站，从A出口出站。对于乘坐公交车的游客，可以乘坐1路、9路、28路、37路、43路、120路、126路、403路、639路、640路、668路、728路和729路，到永安里站下车
Opening Hours
The market is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, making it a flexible shopping destination for both early birds and night owls.
4. Hongqiao Market (Pearl Market) 红桥市场
Introduction:
Hongqiao Market, often referred to as the Pearl Market, is a vibrant shopping destination in Beijing. While it’s famous for its vast selection of pearls, the market offers much more, including electronics, clothes, toys, and souvenirs.
Spanning four floors, each level of the market caters to different shopping needs, making it an ideal place for diverse and comprehensive shopping experiences. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking for quality products and gifts.
Location and How to Get There
Situated at 9 Tiantan Donglu in the Dongcheng District, just opposite the east gate of the Temple of Heaven, Hongqiao Market is easily reachable. The best way to get there is by subway, taking Line 5 to Tiantandongmen (East Gate of Temple of Heaven) Station. Buses 39, 43, 60, 116, and 610 also stop nearby.
红桥市场位于东城区天坛东路9号，正对天坛东门，交通非常方便。最好的到达方式是乘坐地铁，乘坐5号线到天坛东门站下车。39路、43路、60路、116路和610路公交车也在附近停靠。
Opening Hours
The market operates from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm daily, offering ample time for visitors to explore its extensive range of products.
5. Niujie Muslim Market 牛街
Introduction:
Niujie Muslim Market offers a unique cultural experience in Beijing’s Muslim Quarter. This bustling market is known for its halal food and Islamic goods, reflecting the rich heritage of the city’s Muslim community. From savory lamb dishes to sweet pastries, the market provides an array of authentic halal cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds.
It’s not just a place for food; the market also features a variety of Islamic books, clothing, and other cultural items, making it a hub for both shopping and cultural immersion.
Location and How to Get There
To reach Niujie, the most convenient subway line is Beijing’s Line 19. Get off at Niujie Station and exit from Gate C. From there, simply walk across the street in the south to reach Niujie.
There are also two nearby subway stations on Line 7: Guang’anmennei Station and Caishikou Station.
Guang’anmennei Station is closer to Niujie. It is about 830 meters to the west of Niujie Street, and exiting from Gate C is the most convenient way to get to Niujie.
Caishikou Station, also on Line 7, is about 950 meters to the east of Niujie Street. Though slightly farther, it is still a viable option for reaching Niujie.
Opening Hours
The market is typically open from early morning until late evening. The best time to visit is during the day when all stalls and shops are open and bustling with activity.
6. Dazhalan Shopping Street (Dashilan) 前门大栅栏购物街
Dazhalan Shopping Street, also known as Dashilan, is one of Beijing’s oldest and most historic commercial streets, dating back over 600 years.
Located near the Qianmen area, it offers a rich variety of traditional Chinese goods, including silk, shoes, tea, and handicrafts. This bustling pedestrian street is home to several long-established shops that have served the city for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into Beijing’s cultural heritage.
How to get there by subway: Take Line 2 or Line 7 to Qianmen Station. From Exit B or C, walk south for about 10 minutes to reach Dazhalan Shopping Street.
7. Yandai Xiejie Market 烟袋斜街
Introduction:
Yandai Xiejie, also known as Yandai Byway or Old Pipe Street, is a historical gem nestled in the heart of Beijing. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368), this street has evolved while maintaining its authentic charm, making it a window into Beijing’s rich past. Once famous for its numerous shops selling smoking pipes, hence its name “Yandai,” the street today is a blend of tradition and modernity.
Visitors 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.
Location and How to Get There
Yandai Xiejie is conveniently located just about 50 meters south of the Drum Tower. This 232-meter-long market street is easily accessible on foot from many central locations in Beijing.
Take Subway Line 8 and get off at Shichahai Station, exit from Exit C and walk approximately 5-10 minutes to reach Yandai Xiejie. Or
Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Gulou Dajie Station, exit from Exit G and walk about 10-15 minutes to reach Yandai Xiejie.
乘坐地铁8号线, 在什刹海站下车，从什刹海站C出口出，步行约5-10分钟即可到达烟袋斜街。乘坐地铁2号线，在鼓楼大街站下车，从鼓楼G出口出，步行约10-15分钟即可到达烟袋斜街。
Opening Hours
The street is open throughout the day, but the best time to visit is during the late morning or afternoon when all shops and eateries are open, and the street is buzzing with activity. The bars and some restaurants also offer a lively evening atmosphere.
8. Liulichang Culture Street 琉璃厂
Introduction
Liulichang Culture Street, located in the Xicheng District, is a renowned cultural landmark in Beijing, famous for its traditional Chinese stone dwellings housing an array of antique shops and art studios. The street is a treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of collectibles, including woodblock prints, historic paintings, calligraphy, and more.
It’s also the perfect place to find traditional Chinese art supplies like ink, brushes, and paper. A stroll down this street feels like a walk through history, with each shop and stall telling its own unique story.
Location and How to Get There
To visit Liulichang Antique Street, take subway line 2 to Hepingmen Station, exiting from C2. This brings you directly to the west section of Liulichang Street, where the main attractions are located. Several buses, including numbers 6, 14, 15, 25, 50, 53, 57, 102, and 105, also stop near Liulichang.
要参观琉璃厂古玩街，可以乘坐地铁2号线到和平门站，从C2出口出站。几条公交线路，包括6路、14路、15路、25路、50路、53路、57路、102路和105路，也在琉璃厂附近停靠。
Opening Hours
The street and most of its shops are open from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm. The best time to visit is during the day when the street is bustling with activity and all shops are open.
9. Sanyuanli Market （Grocery）三源里菜市场
Introduction:
Sanyuanli Market, nestled in the Chaoyang District, is a vibrant and bustling hub that caters to the daily needs of locals and visitors alike. Established in 1992, this market has become a go-to place for fresh produce, meats, seafood, and a variety of other groceries. It’s not just about the freshness and quality of the products; the market is also known for its friendly atmosphere and the interaction between local vendors and customers.
Sanyuanli Market serves as a fascinating insight into the daily life and culinary habits of Beijing’s residents.
Location and How to Get There
Sanyuanli Market is located on the left side of Building 2, Shunyuanli, along the East Third Ring Road. To reach the market, take bus routes 403 or 300, alighting at Sanyuanqiao Station, or subway line 10 to Liangmaqiao Station, which is a short walk away.
三源里市场位于东三环顺源里2号楼的左侧。前往市场可以乘坐403路或300路公交车，在三元桥站下车，或者乘坐地铁10号线到亮马桥站，步行一小段路即可到达。
Opening Hours
The market operates daily, usually opening early in the morning around 6:00 am and closing in the late evening. The best time to visit is in the morning when the produce is freshest.
10. Shilihe House Building Materials City (Home Depot-like outlets) 十里河家居建材城
Introduction
Shilihe House Building Materials City is an expansive, one-stop destination for all home improvement needs in Beijing. With its vast array of stores resembling a cluster of Home Depot-like outlets, it’s the largest of its kind in the city. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or looking for professional design and decor services, this market has everything from basic building materials to stylish home furnishings.
It’s a place where both locals and expatriates converge to find everything needed for home upgrades and renovations.
Location and How to Get There
Located in the southeast corner of Beijing’s Third Ring Road, Shilihe House Building Materials City is easily accessible by subway. Take line 10, 14, or 17 and get off at Shilihe Station, exiting at K2 or J. The market is just a 100-meter walk east from the Shilihe Bridge.
位于北京东三环东南角的十里河家居建材城交通十分便利。乘坐地铁10号线、14号线或17号线在十里河站下车，从K2或J出口出站。市场距离十里河桥东仅100米步行距离。
Opening Hours
The market is open daily, usually from early morning around 9:00 am until late in the evening. It’s best to visit during weekdays as weekends can be quite crowded.
This concludes our guide to “The 10 Best Markets in Beijing.” Each market offers a unique glimpse into the city’s diverse culture and lifestyle. We hope this guide helps you explore and enjoy the vibrant market scene of Beijing!
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Where is number 6?
Hi Joseph,
Thanks for having pointed out the missing Number 6! The Market Number 6 is Dazhalan Shopping Street (Dashilan). Dazhalan Shopping Street, also known as Dashilan, is one of Beijing’s oldest and most historic commercial streets, dating back over 600 years. Located near the Qianmen area, it offers a rich variety of traditional Chinese goods, including silk, shoes, tea, and handicrafts. This bustling pedestrian street is home to several long-established shops that have served the city for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into Beijing’s cultural heritage.
How to get there by subway: Take Line 2 or Line 7 to Qianmen Station. From Exit B or C, walk south for about 10 minutes to reach Dazhalan Shopping Street.