While fish, birds and insects might be what many know Beijing Guan Yuan Hua Niao Yu Chong Shi Chang (Beijing Flower Bird Fish and Bug Market) for, Beijing visitors and residents alike will find a wide range of goods for sale including tobacco and smoking accessories, fishing tackle, plants, jewelry and traditional Chinese shoes.

For those seeking a rather authentic China 'experience', this little market offers it all. This is Beijing people going about their everyday lives uninfluenced by foreigners and cameras. Out of respect for one of the few genuine China experiences left in Beijing, it would be prudent to keep cameras hidden and simply enjoy the experience of visiting the market. These people are doing what they normally do without influence from visiting tourists.

People living in Beijing may find this market a good place to pick up a cheap but adorable pet to join their family. The shop and stall holders are warm and welcoming even if you are not interested in buying. There are many stalls both inside and outside the market. There is even the chance to sit down and enjoy a meal.

Pets like turtles, terrapins, fish, budgerigars, parrots, doves, rabbits, chinchillas, cats, kittens, mice, hamsters, iguanas and dragon lizards are all for sale. Listen to birds sing their cheerful tunes at the market.

Insects like crickets are very popular and widely available. During winter these were the only insects available, apart from live maggots.

To accompany the pets you will find a wide range of accessories available to either make your dear pet's life more comfortable or to entertain them. Pet food and pet medicines can also be purchased.

If you are not much interested in pets, don't despair, there is quite a range of other merchandise also offered for sale.

For the smoker there is an impressive selection of smoking pipes in a range of shapes, lengths, materials and colors. Already own a pipe? Why not check out the variety of what appears to be unprocessed tobacco for sale! There are many large bags of various tobaccos just waiting to be enjoyed by those who enjoy a pipe or rolling their own cigarettes.

Jewelry is another widely sold item you may stumble across in this market once you venture inside. Jade and other semi-precious stones can be found either made up as bracelets, necklaces or available singularly.

While winter is probably not the best time to be looking for plants to buy in Beijing there were a number of spring bulbs like hyacinths already for sale. Cacti, azaleas, bromeliads and gourds are also found at this time of year.

For the fishermen there are many shops inside the market selling fishing tackle.

Traditional Chinese shoes and slippers can also be purchased. Slippers come in a wide range of ornate traditional patterns. At the same time the simple black and white slip on shoes from Mao's era can be found and purchased at very cheap prices.

Beijing Guan Yuan Hua Niao Yu Chong Shi Chang Access

To access Beijing Guan Yuan Hua Niao Yu Chong Shi Chang (Beijing Flower Bird Fish and Bug Market) by subway, take the train to Fuchengmen subway station, exit B and turn 180 degrees to walk north along Fuchengmen Beidajie, on the east side of the west 2nd Ring Road. The market is a 5 to 10 minute walk either along the street or through the linear park.