The best wet markets in Beijing

A guide to some of the best and most popular food markets Beijing has to offer

Food markets in Beijing represent a crucial part of day-to-day life and culture. However, recent years have seen the implementation of drastic measures to gentrify the city centre, resulting in the closure of numerous wet markets. We've rounded up the best still standing in Beijing – check them out while you still can.

Sanyuanli Vegetable Market (三源里菜市场)

Image: Clara de Pauw

The citywide standard for international produce, fresh produce and dry goods, Sanyuanli Market is located within close proximity to embassies, hotels and restaurant hotspots. Given its prime location, it's the perfect one-stop shop to stock up on a varied selection of produce. With over 130 vendors, Sanyuanli carries a wide range of hard-to-find imported products, such as almond milk, Weetabix and Speculoos biscuit spread, to name but a few. The market acknowledges its popularity amongst the expat community and makes efforts to accommodate foreigners with plenty of bilingual signage – the majority of vendors can also speak basic English.

Shunyuan Jie, 1 Shunyuanli, Chaoyang district. Open 7am-7pm daily.

Shengfu Xiaoguan Market (盛福小关市场)

Image: Yvette de Pauw

Located near Sanyuanli Market, Shengfu Xiaoguan Market is the quintessential Beijing market with its lively (read: rowdy) atmosphere, affordable produce and stamp of approval from locals. Renovated in January 2018, this market now boasts a central heating and air conditioning system to take customers through Beijing's freezing winters and sweltering summers. The central warehouse hosts roughly 160 vendors selling fresh seasonal produce, with fruit and vegetables occupying the central component of the market surrounded by deli products and spices.

Xiangheyuan Lu, Dongzhimenwai Xiaoguan, Chaoyang district. Open 6am-3pm daily.

Baisijia Vegetable Market (百思佳菜市场)

Image: Yvette de Pauw

Situated in the heart of Wangjing, this small and compact food market has all the seasonal fruit and vegetables you might need plus a bonus selection of Korean specialities like kimchi, spicy condiments and an array of instant noodle packs.

Building 412, Unit 4, Wangjing Xi Yuan, Futong Xi Dajie, Chaoyang district. Open 8am-9pm daily.

Chaowai Morning Market (朝外地区便民早市)

Image: Yvette de Pauw

Chaowai Morning Market is just a stone’s throw from expat haven Sanlitun but receives very little attention from foreign residents of the area. The market features all manner of common Chinese produce, frozen fish, local meat, fruit and nuts as well as household goods and kitchen supplies at considerably lower prices than other markets in the area.

Gongren Tiyuchang Nan Lu, Chaoyang district. Open 6.30am-12pm daily.

Yanfeng Market (燕丰商场)

Image: Yvette de Pauw

This three-storey market is a department store of sorts, carrying a wide selection of products ranging from electronics to medicine and clothing. The first floor is for fresh foods, where it stocks a wide range of meat and produce, plus ready-made supplies such as dumplings, Chinese desserts and skewers. There's also an excellent jianbing stand tucked into a corner, and lots of big, delicious, steamy mantou on sale.

Building 17, Liufang Bei Jie, Xibahe Nan Li, Chaoyang district. Open 8am-8pm daily.

Hot stock(ist) tips

Leave bargaining for the Silk Market

When it comes to foodstuffs, if you aren't buying in bulk don't expect to talk your vendor down. It's considered a bit rude, if you can believe that.

Get a second opinion

If you think one vendor is overcharging, check with another vendor or two to see if the first price is far off. Shopping around is more than acceptable, but a bit of tact can go a long way.

Don't like the look?

If you don’t like the look of those special peppers you had your heart set on, ask if they have better looking (and tasting) ones in the back. Hai you bie de ma? (还有别的吗?). You might even gain face for your discerning eye.

Loyalty has its rewards

It's a simple fact: repeat customers get preferential treatment. If you buy from the same vendor at least once a week you'll see real benefits. Expect recommendations, reserved choice cuts and discounts – not to mention the convenience of having a grocer who knows what you like and buy most often.

Always carry a bit of cash

Not all vendors are necessarily down with WeChat Pay (shocking, we know), so make sure you carry a little bit of cash just in case.

For more information on the markets, hit 'Read more'.

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