For a less structured afternoon, these are Beijing's markets, creative districts and neighbourhoods for walking, browsing and photography.
Flea markets and creative districts
- Panjiayuan night market
- Friday evening is the well-known 'ghost market'; weekend daytime has the fullest range of stalls. Browse crystal bracelets under the covered halls and CCD cameras, vinyl and old books on the outdoor stalls.
- Daliushu night market
- A second-hand and vintage market open from Tuesday and Thursday evening into the early hours, with collectable toys, old objects and retro clothing to browse slowly.
- Laoyuan Station creative district
- A warehouse conversion with small independent shops and cafes. We recommend weekend outdoor screenings and creative markets, and describe it as pet-friendly.
Quiet streets and Citywalks
- Shougang Park Yongding River market
- An open waterfront district with independent shops, bookshops and cafes, plus large lawns for a break. It is a place to spend a sunny afternoon walking and sitting outside.
- Wenyuan No. 81
- A spacious French-style old courtyard complex with cafes, dining bars and occasional small creative markets. The architecture is part of the reason to visit.
- Moshikou Camel-Bell Ancient Road
- An ancient-road neighbourhood with historic courtyards, independent bookshops and cafes. Come towards evening without trying to rush through a checklist.
More streets for an unhurried walk
- Wudaoying Hutong
- Quieter than Nanluoguxiang, with independent cafes, craft shops and vintage stores. It is an easy place for an afternoon of browsing and photography.
- Liangma River waterfront
- Go towards evening for the river breeze, craft-beer bars and open-air restaurants along both banks. We liken its atmosphere to a Beijing version of the Seine.
- Shougang Park
- A vast industrial site with a futuristic side: take the small train, see the 3D-printed bridge and photograph the sunset from the six-storey viewing platform.
Practical notes
- Check whether a reservation is needed
- We advise checking official booking channels three to seven days ahead for popular places such as the National Museum, the Forbidden City and Shougang Park. Requirements vary by venue and date.
- Choose transport around the destination
- The metro is busy during peak hours but remains the recommended option for central hutongs and shopping districts. For Shougang Park or Wenyu River Park, we recommend a taxi or driving.
- Wear shoes for a long walk
- For Shougang Park or a hutong Citywalk, wear comfortable flat shoes and expect to spend much of the day on foot.