Night markets in China are your best bet to taste delicious local food and shop at low prices. In this country of the Great Wall, the night markets are vibrant, multicultural, and definitely full of excitement. Each of them is unique and distinct, offering different kind of culinary and cultural experience. One thing guaranteed is you’ll never find these markets not packed with tons of visitors. We’ve compiled a list of top night markets in China that are definitely worth visiting. Plan your itinerary so that you can visit one or some of the night markets during your trip to China.
1. Nanluoguxiang Night Market
A historical street lined with modern bars, pubs, and cafes? It seems possible only at Nanluoguxiang Night Market, Beijing. In this narrow street, you’ll find snack stalls and restaurants lined up. The street is abundant in food stalls selling chuan'r (meat on skewers) made of exotic animals, so do try them. Other than eateries you can also find souvenirs shops, clothing stores, and many more. If you plan to explore the area by foot, wear walking shoes because the main lane alone is 800-meters (2624 feet) long, and that is excluding the smaller alleyways.
Nanluoguxiang Night Market
Address: Di'anmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
2. Shuang'an Night Market
There aren’t many night markets in China where you can go for retail therapy, that too for under 100 yuan. However, Shuang'an Night Market is one of the few exceptions. They exhibit plenty of items to choose from, all within a reasonable price. You can also enjoy local snacks such as pork dumplings and yellow pea cake here. For those who want to experience the night market in China like a true local, Shuang'an Night Market is the place to go.
Shuang'an Night Market
Address: 3rd Ring Rd W, Beijing
3. Barley Market Street
Looking for halal foods in the city of Xian? Head over to Barley Market Street. The street is located in an area densely populated with China’s indigenous Muslim ethnic group - the Hui People. Many of the establishments here are open 24/7, so if you’re in Xian and looking for a quick bite after midnight, this street is the place to go. If you don’t know what to get from here try the street’s popular foods, which include Laotong-cured mutton and beef, tamale, clysters buns, and marinated bean jelly.
Barley Market Street
Address: South Barley Street, North of Shizi, Qiaozikou, Xida Street, Lianhu District, Xi'an, China.
4. Tian Zi Fang Night Market
The market is an international tourist magnet due to its beautiful and artistic scenery; lines of old residential buildings juxtaposed with modern cafes, restaurants, and stores. It also attracts a high volume of local visitors who are curious to try the many food options that the streets of Tian Zi Fang has to offer. If you feel like taking a break from tasting Chinese food, Tian Zi Fang Night Market is the perfect place to find alternative options as there are a plethora of foods to choose from: Japanese, Korean and even Western - the market has got it all.
Tian Zi Fang Night Market
Address: 210 Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Tongbei Road Street Food
Like seafood? You should go see the foods sold at Tongbei Road, with plenty of seafood options. In fact, the place is quite renown for its seafood products that many of the visitors to this place are looking to have a taste of. Most of the foods here are sold within a reasonable price and served in generous portions.
Tongbei Road Street Food
Address: Tongbei Road (near Pingliang Road), Shanghai, China
Opening hours: 5pm - 3am (daily)
6. Shouning Lu Road Street Food
The night market is famously known among locals for its spicy craw-fish dish which you can easily find in nearby food stalls. The dish is made up of fresh craw-fish cooked in spicy oil and broth. Usually, when you order the dish, the seller will give you a pair of plastic gloves to put on so you can enjoy the dish without having to thoroughly wash your hands afterward. For those who aren’t really into seafood or exotic food, the area is also abundant in barbecue kebab stalls. You can also find many food stalls that sell sweet food such as jelly desserts or pastries.
Shouning Road Street Food
Address: Shouning Lu (between Renmin Lu and Liulin Lu), Huangpu district, Shanghai, China
7. Zhongshan Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Zhongsan Night Market is known for its authentic Xiamen food. Here, you can also find seafood and meat vendors everywhere. The street is also lined with displays of meat on skewers and covered in the smell of grilled food. Most of the foods here are delicious, so be careful not to overindulge. Invite your friends to such walk or sign up with local guides to get the best of the experience.
Zhongshan Night Market
Address: Zhongshan Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, China
8. Wangfujing Street
Want to taste all kinds of Chinese snacks without having to travel to different cities in China? Well, Wangfujing Street might be the answer. Find an endless choice of traditional Chinese snacks all along the street. It is quite popular for the fascinating food stalls with over 500 different types of food that hail from every corner of the country. You can choose from kebabs, tea soup, sugar-coated delights, and even Tortilla Flat. It is also a haven for shopping dotted with upscale shops and occasional flea markets. This street s open at all hours and can be conveniently listed among the night markets. The offerings are the same hence you can visit at any given time.
Wangfujing Street
Address: Wangfujing St, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100006 China
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Niujie Muslim Food Market
Even if you aren’t particularly looking for halal food, this area is still worth exploring due to its rich cultural history. There is a thousand-years-old mosque, a hundred-years-old tea house, and so many more. One food that you should definitely try here is the halal hotpot. It’s so good, you’ll want to come back for the second time.
Niujie Muslim Food Market
Address: 1 Shuru Hutong, Xicheng, Beijing, China
10. Guijie Street Night Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Guijie Street is popular for its inexpensive and mouthwatering culinary options. About 90 percent of the stores in this street are restaurants, making it one of the most flourished night market street in China. The recommended food to try here is spicy seafood cooked with Sichuan sauce which you can find in restaurants such as Xiaolin Hotpot and Hi Spicy Hotpot. Most of the stores operate 24/7, however, it is recommended that you come in the evening, because that’s when the street is most alive. COme with your friends and family and mingle with the local crowd for a better experience.
Guijie Street Night Market
Address: Dongzhimennei Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Linfen Road Night Market
Linfen Road Night Market has a reputation among locals as being the place to go to satisfy any late-night craving. Considering that the area offers an array of impressively tasty street food that will make you want to keep eating, I think its reputation is well-deserved. This place is popular for its Chinese style fried chicken, so do check it out. For a more fun dining experience, bring along your friends or relatives to this place.
Linfen Road Night Market
Address: LinFenLuGongHeXinLu DongDuan YiTiaoJie ( MaiDangLao DuiMian ), Shanghai, China
12. Qianmen Food Street
It shouldn’t be too hard to locate this place which is situated in the south of Tiananmen Square. The street is lined with snacks and pastry shops. Some renown Chinese food brands such as Wu Yutai ice cream, Beijing yogurt, and Daoxiangchun are also available here. Check out also the popular restaurants in this area, such as Quanjude, BianyiFang, Donglaishun, Liubiju. After having your stomach filled, take some time to watch Chinese traditional art performances such as Chinese cross-talk and storytelling which are performed in nearby tea houses. This is a perfect activity to indulge in with your entire family or fellow travellers.
Qianmen Food Street
Address: Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Shichahai Food Street (Houhai Food Street)
Shichahai is a popular holiday destination among locals during summer. Don’t be surprised to find that food stalls cover every inch of this area that is connected to Beihai River and Jingshan park. Two recommended eateries here are Kao Rou Ji, a 150 years old restaurant which sells roast meat and Bao Du Zhang, which has been selling its signature tripe of sheep for 4 generations now. With more than 300 kinds of Beijing snacks gathered here, it’ll be wise not to answer with “whatever” when one asks you what you want to eat. Do your background research, check for reviews and ask those who have been there and done that, then go for your adventure.
Shichahai Food Street (Houhai Food Street)
Address: Yinding Bridge, Houhai, Xicheng District, Beijing
14. Shazhou Night Market
Deemed as one of the most interesting night markets in the country, Shazhou Night Market is the place that you definitely want to visit. At night, tourists crowd this place - exploring the area and enjoying the scene. If you love to buy souvenirs, check out the souvenirs vendors in this area - the stalls stretch from the entrance to the end of the street - selling antique handmade handicrafts. While exploring this market make sure you get yourself a cup of apricot peel water - a popular thirst quencher here.
Shazhou Night Market
Address: Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, China 736200
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Ready to explore China at night?
These night markets are a great alternative to malls and high-end shopping places. You get to experience the culture of the country you’re in while at the same time supporting the local economies through the purchase of foods and drinks sold at the markets, watching locals perform, and buying the products of the country. Make sure to check the opening hours and location first before you travel to avoid any disappointment.
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