Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market)
The Basics
The Pearl Market covers an area of 48,500 square feet (4,500 square meters), with five floors and three basement levels. Shop for pearls and other gemstones on the third and fifth floors. Find clothing and bags on the second floor, and electronics and watches on the ground floor. The basement is devoted to seafood of all types, with most vendors here supplying hotels and restaurants around the city.
A number of Beijing sightseeing tours feature a stop at the Pearl Market. Tours include shopping tours, shopping and food tours, and Beijing highlights tours, with additional stops at popular attractions such as the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, or Tiananmen Square. Consider add-on activities such as an acrobatics show or a Beijing Opera performance.
Things to Know Before You Go
Bargaining is expected at the Pearl Market.
Buyer beware, as not all the goods sold here are authentic.
Bring cash: Many vendors do not accept credit cards.
Don’t forget your camera; the fifth floor offers great views of the Temple of Heaven.
How to Get There
The Pearl Market is located in Dongcheng, opposite Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park. By subway, take line 5 to Tiantan East Gate (exit B), then walk north for a few minutes. Many buses stop nearby at Fahuasi.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Pearl Market is open daily. It’s best to visit during the week, in the mornings, as it can get busy in the afternoon, weekends, and public holidays. Given its proximity to the Temple of Heaven, many visitors combine a visit to both in one outing.
Tianya Hongqiao Jewelry Market
Located east of the Pearl Market is another market selling similar goods. In a modern, 5-story building with two basement levels, Tianya Hongqiao Jewelry Market sells goods ranging from jewelry (including pearls) to electronics, clothing, luggage, and more.
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