Wangfujing Shopping Street and Night Food Market

Wangfujing Street

Beijing Journey Tours, Shopping Recommendation

Xindongan Department Store, Wangfujing Street

Many of Beijing's most important sites are found near Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. After a day of sight-seeing, you might be in the mood for a little shopping or an interesting meal. Wangfujing Street is a good choice for both. Located just a short, ten-minute walk from the Forbidden City, Wangfujing Street has shopping malls and traditional shops. There is also a large variety of restaurants and an interesting snack street.

Wangfujing Street has a history of over 700 years. The first residences built here were that of aristocrats and princesses. An important sweet water well was also located on this street. The name of the street came about as a combination of Wangfu (meaning aristocratic residence) and jing (meaning well). Wangfujing Street has also been an important commercial street for hundreds of years.

Looking South, Across the Street From Oriental Plaza

Pedestrian friendly, Wangfujing Street is Beijing's premier shopping street. New malls stand side by side age-old shops. Try Sun Dong'an Plaza at the north end of the street and Oriental Plaza on the south, if you are looking for modern shopping malls carrying the latest in world-famous brands. Stroll Wangfujing Street, checking out the small, specialized stores that have been selling good here for more than 100 years.  

Oriental Plaza, Wangfujing Street

If you are getting hungry, or just want a snack, Wangfujing Street is a great place to eat. Street vendors selling traditional snacks are just a few feet away from Starbucks. Several famous old restaurants can be found here, as well as restaurants offering foods from a variety of different countries.

Taking a Break

Soaking Up the Atmosphere

If you are a bit adventurous in your eating, try Donganmen Night Market. While many of the snacks can be considered quite exotic, there are plenty of things to try for the less adventuresome. If you are looking for western fast-food, like Pizza Hut and KFC, you will find them inside the mall.

Food Vendor, Donganmen Night Market

Sugar Spun Hawthorne

Starfish on a Skewer

Exotic Snacks

Wangfujing Street is definitely an evening destination. The malls are open, the restaurants are crowded with people socializing, and the street itself is filled with lights and activity. The glitter of the night makes all of this a great place for people watching. And, then again, you might want to join in. It's all in fun!

St. Joseph's Cathedral (East Church)

A Wedding Photographer at Work