When the sun goes down, Beijing transforms into a paradise for food lovers and culture seekers. The Beijing night market is more than just a place to eat; it’s a lively experience where sizzling street food, traditional crafts, and the city’s history come together. From the historic Qianmen Street to the trendy lanes of Nanluoguxiang, each market offers a unique taste of Beijing’s charm after dark.

Beijing’s night markets are a mix of old and new, blending authentic local snacks with a modern flair. Walking through these bustling streets, you’ll find skewers of lamb and beef grilled over open flames, steaming dumplings filled with savoury fillings, sugar-coated hawthorn sticks, and even daring delicacies like fried scorpions. Stalls often sit side by side with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and quirky trinkets that make perfect keepsakes.

Among the most popular spots is Qianmen Street, a historical area that keeps its Qing Dynasty style while offering visitors a blend of local snacks and international flavours. On the other hand, Nanluoguxiang attracts younger crowds with its mix of traditional courtyards, trendy cafés, and late-night food stalls that stay open until the early hours. Both areas are must-visits if you want to experience Beijing nightlife in full swing.

Most Beijing night markets usually open daily, starting in the late afternoon and continuing until around 10:00 pm to midnight, depending on the location. Qianmen Street typically comes alive from 5:00 pm onwards, while Nanluoguxiang keeps its shops and food stalls running slightly later into the night. The weekends are particularly busy, with locals and tourists filling the streets to enjoy food, shopping, and entertainment.

The best time to go to Beijing night markets is around 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, when the atmosphere is buzzing, the food is freshly cooked, and the streets are lit with colourful lights. If you prefer fewer crowds, weekdays are more comfortable than weekends, though you’ll still enjoy plenty of options. For those who want to explore the markets in cooler weather, autumn (September to November) is ideal, offering crisp evenings that pair perfectly with hot snacks and warm drinks.

Visitors often describe the Beijing night market scene as an exciting mix of flavours and culture. Many appreciate the wide variety of food choices, from budget-friendly bites to more elaborate meals, while others highlight the atmosphere—street performers, glowing lanterns, and the buzz of conversation filling the air. Some reviews note that the crowds can get heavy, especially in places like Nanluoguxiang, but that’s part of the market’s charm. Overall, it’s a must-do experience for anyone visiting Beijing.

Yes, you heard right. There is no entrance fee to stroll down Qianmen Street, one of Beijing’s most celebrated pedestrian thoroughfares. Open 24 hours a day and accessible year-round, this historical promenade invites you to explore without spending a penny to enter.

Similarly, Nanluoguxiang comes with no barrier to entry—you can walk its alleys freely at any time. This charming hutong is open all day, every day, making it effortless to drop in whenever curiosity strikes.

On Qianmen Street:

In Nanluoguxiang:

When the lights turn on in Beijing’s bustling night markets, the air fills with the tempting aroma of skewers on the grill, dumplings steaming in bamboo baskets, and sweet treats fresh from the wok. Whether you’re wandering the historic Qianmen Street or the trendy alleys of Nanluoguxiang, you’ll discover food stalls and small eateries serving dishes that reflect both Beijing’s heritage and its modern appetite.

So, what’s on the menu, how much will it set you back, and where do vegetarians and halal diners fit in? Let’s take a closer look.

Here are some must-try classics commonly found across Beijing night markets:

These are only a few highlights, but expect to spend ¥50–100 (≈ SGD 10–20) for a filling dinner across several stalls.

Vegetarian visitors will be pleased to know that night markets in Beijing offer plenty of meat-free bites. Among the best are:

For vegetarians, Nanluoguxiang is especially good, as many of its cafés and trendy shops cater to modern dietary preferences.

Beijing is home to a significant Muslim community, and halal food is well represented in its night markets. Look out for these delicious halal-friendly options:

You’ll find halal-friendly vendors along Qianmen Street, where several Muslim restaurants and stalls are clustered, making it easier to dine confidently.

Beijing’s night markets are buzzing with food stalls, shops, and endless aromas. From skewers sizzling over charcoal to sweet candied fruits, it’s an adventure for the taste buds. But for first-time visitors, two big questions often come up: how do I pay here? and how do I avoid being overcharged? Let’s break it down, along with practical tips for getting from the airport to hotspots like Qianmen Street and Nanluoguxiang.

Most stalls in Beijing’s night markets accept a mix of cash, mobile payments, and cards. Here’s what you need to know:

Cash (Chinese Yuan – RMB): Still widely accepted, especially at small street stalls.

Tip: Exchange Singapore Dollars (SGD) into RMB before heading out. For reference, SGD 1 ≈ RMB 5.30 (rates may vary). So a skewer at ¥10 costs about SGD 1.90.

Mobile Payments (Alipay & WeChat Pay): The most popular methods among locals. Tourists can now use international bank cards to top up Alipay and WeChat Pay, making it easier to pay digitally.

Budget guide: Expect to spend SGD 10–20 (≈ ¥50–100) per person for a hearty dinner, mixing snacks, drinks, and desserts.

While Beijing’s night markets are generally fair, a few tourist-heavy spots may try to charge more. Here’s how to stay savvy:

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is about 30 km from the city centre. Here’s how you can reach the night markets:

By Airport Express + Subway: Take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen Station (≈ 30 min, SGD 6), transfer to Line 2, then Line 7 to Qiaowan Station. Walk about 10 minutes to Qianmen Street.

By Taxi: Around 40–50 minutes, costing SGD 25–35 (≈ ¥130–180) depending on traffic.

By Airport Express + Subway: From Dongzhimen Station, transfer to Line 6 or 8, and get off at Nanluoguxiang Station. The journey takes about 50 minutes in total and costs around SGD 7 (≈ ¥35–40).

Tip: The subway is fast, affordable, and ideal if you’re travelling light. Taxis are more comfortable with luggage but cost more during peak hours.

Beijing’s night markets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite—they’re buzzing centres of culture, shopping, and evening entertainment. Whether you’re strolling through the historical charm of Qianmen Street or soaking in the youthful energy of Nanluoguxiang, there’s always something exciting to do beyond food. From browsing local crafts to exploring nearby landmarks, here’s a guide to making the most of your night market visit.

The highlight of any night market visit is, of course, the food. You can sample Beijing favourites like lamb skewers, dumplings, roast duck wraps, fried noodles, and tanghulu (candied fruits). Prices are affordable, averaging between ¥10–40 (≈ SGD 2–8), which means you can try several dishes without overspending.

Many stalls sell more than food. At Qianmen Street, you’ll find traditional handicrafts, calligraphy brushes, herbal teas, and even silk products. Over at Nanluoguxiang, the offerings lean towards quirky souvenirs, handmade jewellery, vintage-style décor, and trendy clothing boutiques.

Street performers add extra colour to the market atmosphere. In Qianmen Street, you might catch traditional opera snippets, comedy skits, or music played on Chinese instruments. These short shows are usually free to watch but tipping performers is appreciated.

Nanluoguxiang is famous for its hutongs (narrow lanes) and siheyuan (courtyard homes). Walking through them gives you a glimpse of old Beijing while surrounded by modern cafés and shops. Some courtyards are open for visitors, turning into tea houses or art galleries.

Sometimes the best activity is simply to sit back with a cup of milk tea or freshly squeezed juice and watch the crowd go by. Nanluoguxiang’s cafés are perfect for this, while Qianmen Street’s historic setting makes the experience feel like stepping into another era.

If you’re visiting Qianmen Street, you’re in the heart of Beijing’s old city, surrounded by famous landmarks:

Nanluoguxiang sits in a lively neighbourhood that blends history with modern creativity. Nearby attractions include:

Here are 10 excellent hotels located close to Qianmen Street and Nanluoguxiang, ranging from budget-friendly to more stylish stays:

A heritage hotel offering elegant décor and spacious rooms. Conveniently located near both Tiananmen and Qianmen Street.

A reliable mid-range stay, not far from Qianmen Street, offering good value with breakfast included.

Stylish and cosy, set in the hutongs near Nanluoguxiang, known for its excellent service and chic design.

Perfect for budget travellers who want a sociable atmosphere, located close to Nanluoguxiang.

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