Which Wholesale Markets are Still Standing?
After recently writing about Lai Tai and Liangma flower markets, it was brought to my attention that Lai Tai had closed since my visit at Christmas. Luckily Lai Tai will only be shuttered temporarily for renovations but it is true that all the wholesale markets will eventually be relocated out of the city center in keeping with Beijing's new wave of development. However, it is believed that the government will inform vendors one or two years in advance so they can relocate prior to the closure.
This post serves as a list of the remaining markets in Beijing. Given the changes in policy, we would suggest making your rounds and collecting name cards from your favorite vendors so that when they disappear you have their information. Markets that were closed during the Chinese New Year should now be open again.
Lai Tai Flower Market is currenty closed for renovations and will open back up in April. Some of the vendors have moved to the third floor of the building and to Lady Street. Not worthy of a trip in itself but if you live within the local it's a good chance to support the vendors.
Liang Ma Flower Market is open and shows no signs of closing or renovating.
Muxiyuan Fabric Market is open and a lot of stalls remain – definitely worth a trip.
Tianyi Market has been notified that they are closing, but there's no sign yet of it shutting down.
Zoo Market has been in the process of closing for three years. Of the once 13 markets, eight have been completely cleared, leaving five remaining.
Bainaohui Computer Market was once made up of a north and south market – the latter has since been closed but the market on the north side of Chaoyangmen Waidajie remains.
Lady Street Clothing Market is partially closed for renovations.
Hongqiao Pearl Market is still open but some parts are closed.
Panjiayuan Antique Market is still open every Saturday and Sunday.
Xiushui Silk Market is open as usual.
Sanlitun Yashow Market has been closed.
This post first appeared on our sister website beijing-kids.com.
Photo: Pauline van Hasselt