Beijing after dark is an entirely different world. As the sun dips behind the ancient rooftops and neon lights begin to flicker, the city transforms into a playground of sizzling street food, late-night shopping, and lively local buzz. It’s where tradition meets trendiness, and where the best memories with your mates are made.

If you're after a laid-back evening without the pressure of clubbing or formal dinners, Beijing’s night markets are the answer. They’re perfect for catching up with friends, trying outrageous snacks, grabbing quirky souvenirs, or just soaking in the city’s after-hours charm.

Activities to Enjoy in Beijing

Here’s your guide to the coolest night markets in Beijing for food, fun, and friends.

If you’ve ever wanted to dare your friends to eat a scorpion, this is the place. Wangfujing Night Market is legendary for its wild street eats, think starfish on skewers, deep-fried insects, and traditional Beijing snacks like candied hawthorn and steamed buns.

The market is buzzing with locals and visitors, and it’s perfect for food challenges, filming reaction videos, or simply having a laugh over who’s the bravest eater. Once your appetite’s been tested, pop over to the nearby Wangfujing shopping street for dessert or souvenir hunting.

Once one of the most famous night markets in the city, Donghuamen has now taken on a nostalgic status. While the original market has been closed for redevelopment, the spirit lives on in nearby alleyways and smaller street food zones.

For those craving the old-school atmosphere, head to nearby hutongs or explore snack stalls around Dazhalan and Qianmen. It's still a rewarding experience for food lovers and culture seekers wanting to tap into Beijing’s street food roots.

If your crew loves the latest trends, designer snacks, and stylish Instagram backdrops, Sanlitun is your spot. This open-air shopping and entertainment zone often hosts pop-up food markets and craft stalls that cater to the young and the fashionable.

The vibe is urban, artsy, and playful, great for sharing snacks, shopping for handmade trinkets, or just lounging with a milk tea in hand. Surrounded by cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and live music spots, it’s easy to turn a chill market visit into a full night out.

While best known for its daytime flea market, Panjiayuan occasionally offers evening editions that feel like treasure hunts under the stars. Browse through stalls of vintage posters, calligraphy, quirky old gadgets, and traditional trinkets.

It’s great fun in a group, especially when you’re trying to figure out what something is or haggling like pros. After the market, wind down with a visit to a nearby tea house for a traditional sip and chat session.

For a more romantic or relaxing group hangout, head to Shichahai. This scenic lakeside area comes alive at night with glowing lanterns, charming market stalls, and street food carts that line the water’s edge.

You can stroll with friends, munch on skewers, and enjoy rooftop bars with live music and views over the ancient hutongs. For something a little different, rent a pedal boat or take candid group photos by the historic bridges and alleyways.

Want to avoid the big tourist crowds? Tuanjiehu Night Market offers a more authentic and chilled-out experience. It’s where locals go to unwind and snack without the fuss, so the vibe is relaxed, the food is excellent, and the prices are friendly.

You’ll find everything from sizzling noodles to skewered meats and steamed dumplings. It’s also close to Chaoyang Park, perfect for a pre-market stroll or late-night lakeside wander.

Open into the early hours, Ghost Street is a non-stop food parade filled with spicy hotpot joints, dumpling houses, BBQ stands, and casual eateries. The street gets its name from the red lanterns that line the road, giving it a slightly mysterious yet inviting glow.

Perfect for big group dinners, this is where you dig in, share platters, laugh until you’re full, and people-watch from buzzing patios. Whether you start here or end your night here, Gui Jie is a feast in every sense of the word.

If you're challenging your mates to street food dares, browsing for antiques, or chilling lakeside with grilled skewers in hand, Beijing’s night markets are the perfect hangout spots for memorable nights.

Ready to make it happen? Book your flights, hotels, and night market experiences easily with Traveloka. It’s your one-stop travel app for a smooth, fun, and well-fed trip in Beijing.

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Let Traveloka take care of the planning, so you can focus on late-night laughs, great food, and unforgettable adventures with your favourite people.