Spending the weekend with children and elders at the bustling village markets, joining in the lively atmosphere, is gradually becoming a new leisure choice for young people. In Beijing, there are many markets full of rustic charm, where fresh, healthy ingredients are sold at affordable prices, bringing a vibrant and lively sense of everyday life.

01 Xinfadi Market

Fuji apples for 10 yuan per 3 jin, peanuts and edamame for 5 yuan per jin, beef for 28 yuan per jin... A bustling flea market has been set up at Xinfadi Market, running daily from 5 AM to 12 PM. The market offers a variety of vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products that not only guarantee quality but are also 30% to 40% cheaper than those in regular supermarkets. Many people drive from the city to shop here on weekends.

According to Xinfadi, after a three-month trial, the flea market within the market has been very popular, creating a scale effect. It will become a permanent section of the market for long-term operation.

The most attractive aspect of the flea market in the wholesale market is the price. As you stroll through, not only are the prices low, but you can also occasionally come across rare and unique items. For example, the purple cauliflower from Capital Agribusiness Farm are only 1.5 yuan per kilogram. The vendors say that this variety of purple cauliflower is rarely seen on the market, and wholesale prices at the farm are over 10 yuan per kilogram. What is being sold at the Xinfadi market is a small batch of leftover stock, mainly for promotion, which is why the price is so affordable.

Opening Hours: The flea market opens every morning at 5 a.m. and operates until 12 p.m. Before 9 a.m., the market offers a wider variety of fresher products, but as it nears closing time around 12 p.m., you may find larger quantities of vegetables and fruits at even more affordable prices. 

Address: 160 meters west of the intersection of Xinrong Beidajie (St) and Xinwang Beidajie (St), Fengtai, Beijing

You can navigate to "Xingnongmen" or "Qinnongmen."

02 Hancunhe Market 

When it comes to famous markets in Beijing, Hancunhe is definitely one of them. Not only are more and more tourists coming to visit, but the number of vendors setting up stalls at the nearby market from surrounding villages has also been increasing year by year.

Endless street vendors, the loud calls of sellers, a dazzling array of goods, and steaming hot snacks... The entire market is bustling with activity, filled with the lively sounds of people, and the air is thick with the warmth of everyday life. 

Every weekend, villagers from the surrounding areas and both Beijing residents and tourists flock to Hancunhe to experience the joy of shopping in a traditional market. "Mass Selection," it's truly trustworthy!

Opening Hours: Open every Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Address: Hancunhe Park, Fangshan, Beijing 

Take the 917 Express Bus to Hancunhe West Station, then walk south for 1.3 kilometers, or drive and navigate to "Hancunhe Market." There is a parking lot nearby.

03 Shahe Market 

Shahe Market, often referred to by netizens as Beijing's "Northeastern Morning Market," has recently gained some attention on social media, with more and more young people sharing their "market visit photos."

Shahe Market is divided into the East Market and the West Market. The East Market sells pets and various live poultry, while the West Market offers fruits, vegetables, and a wide range of local specialty foods.

Affordable and high-quality is the key phrase that attracts most customers to Shahe Market. Here, you can find vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers, such as leeks and radishes with soil still clinging to them, fresh strawberries that are plump and red, Fuji apples from Yantai, Shandong, and yellow-flesh potatoes from Zhangjiakou. The prices are relatively cheap and reasonable, making it a popular spot for shoppers.

When you're tired and hungry from shopping, just find a stall, order your favorite dish, enjoy your meal, and then continue exploring!

The bustling crowds, lively stalls, shouting vendors, bargaining customers, and a variety of delicious snacks... The strong atmosphere of everyday life makes this market especially popular among young people.

Opening Hours: West Market: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. East Market (Pet Market): Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Address: Shahe North Leisure Plaza (South of the Jingzang Expressway), Changping, Beijing .

As many people drive to the market, to avoid traffic congestion and save time, it is recommended that shoppers park in the large parking lot on the east side in the morning. After 1:30 p.m. (13:30), all parking lots are free.

04 Yongning Market

Yongning Ancient Town is located 18 kilometers east of Yanqing District, with a long and rich history. Yongning Market, situated on the North Street of the ancient town, is the oldest, largest, and most vibrant market in the area.

Standing at the entrance of the market, the lively atmosphere immediately envelops you. The market is bustling with crowds, with the sounds of vendors calling out and laughter echoing through the air. On both sides of the street, in front of the ancient-style buildings, various stalls offer an array of goods. Fresh seasonal fruits are tempting, and handwoven wormwood seat cushions showcase exquisite craftsmanship.

In addition to the tofu and huoshao that are a must-try in the market, you can also enjoy meatball soup, various dried fruits, and more. There are also local farm dishes like tofu feasts, iron pot stews, and lamb spine hotpot, as well as long-established restaurants that have been operating for over a decade. You can be sure to eat your fill in Yongning Ancient Town.

Opening Hours: Every morning 

Address: Yongning Ancient Town, Changchi Lu (Rd), Yanqing, Beijing 

Take the Y41 bus to Yongning bus station and walk 1.1 kilometers.

05 Taihu Market

Located in Tongzhou, Taihu Market is one of the busiest markets in Beijing Municipal Administrative Center. Not only are the prices affordable, but the variety of goods is also vast, with a strong sense of everyday life.

At the market, you can find not only everyday items like vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, meats, seafood, clothes, and tea, but also many homemade products that are rarely found elsewhere. It can truly be said that if you can think of it, you can buy it here.

Opening Hours: The market opens on the 2nd, 5th, 7th, and 10th days of each lunar month 

Address: East side of Macrolink Convention Center, Tongzhou, Beijing 

Take the T15 bus to Puwaisilu Stop or navigate to the Tongzhou Taihu Market parking lot.

Image Sources: Beijing Daily App, Xiaohongshu @Blood Elves yuko, Xiaohongshu @是三元啊, Xiaohongshu @栀禾, Xiaohongshu @温妮, Yongning Town Youth League Committee, Beautiful Yanqing, Xiaohongshu @竹子有小哈, Xiaohongshu @菟Dr.儿, Xiaohongshu @我想摆个摊

Translator: BAI Jing

Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan