Weary of oh-so-impersonal Taobao and soulless shopping malls? Then get ready to open your wallet wide for the creative vendors slinging distinctive wares at these local markets and bazaars.
Upcoming markets
Jun 28: Yanjing Beer International Festival
Now in its 28th year, the Yanjing Brewery (ever heard of it?) beer festival returns with a variety of suds related activities. Be sure to stop by the accompanying market chock-full of local and foreign food vendors, as well as a seemingly incongruous mix of vintage items such as amber from Lithuania to leather products from Indiana, and more. Meanwhile, there will be mouthwatering food offered by over 140 food vendors, live music, and endless glasses of Yanjing beer. RMB 20. 4-10pm. Shunyi Olympic Water Park
Jun 29-30: TTG’s Suitcase Rummage
A market idea which originated in Australia, Suitcase Rummage invite makeshift suitcase-toting stallholders to sell their unwanted secondhand goods. While they downsize their wardrobes and closets, you’ll get the chance to re-up on some very reasonably priced knick-knacks and clothes, books, jewelry, shoes, records, and more. Free. 1-6pm. Port Apartment (Xizhimen)
Jun 30: Loreli Affordable Art Market
Loreli and myriad local artists will take over over Jen Hotel on Jun 30 with a vast array of affordable artwork. You’ll have the opportunity to buy unique souvenirs and all the while support the local art scene. There’ll also be food vendors and live entertainment to keep things lively. Free. Midday-6pm. Hotel Jen
Jul 6: Go Back to Crafts Market
Organized by Jop Pottery, this market brings together craftspeople from around Beijing to sell their works, including anything from leather items, ceramic tea sets, fabrics, organic soaps, and skin care products to jewelry, handmade clothes, tie-dye bags, earrings, hats, fragrant candles, lacquerware, and more. Free. 10am-4pm. I Read Park
Jul 13-14: Mazha Bazaar
As part of the 77 Cultural & Creative Festival, Mazha Bazaar will gather 60-plus vendors from around the city to sell tapes, handmade artifacts, vintage clothes, and more. Some of the stalls even offer DIY portrait and tattoo services, as well as a swap section where you can exchange secondhand books and vinyl records. There will be food and drinks on offer too. Free. 1-8pm. 77 Cultural Park
Ongoing Markets
Every Saturday: Chuzou Creative Market
Located in the artists’ community of Songzhuang, Chuzou Coffee acts as a meeting point for many of the young artists who own workshops or live nearby. That means this market is a great place to buy a range of local products such as pottery, leather wares, wooden sculptures, paintings, and more. We’re particularly fond of the great selection of secondhand items to be found here, available for bargain prices. Free. 4-8pm. Chuzou Coffee Shop
Every Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday: Beijing Farmers’ Market
Since its first iteration in 2018, Beijing Farmers’ Market has remained one of the most popular pop-up food markets in the city. Here you’ll find organically grown food, artisanal cheeses, meats, vegan products, baked goods, herbs, skin care products, textiles, and more. In keeping with the farmers’ market spirit, please bring your own shopping bags to minimize waste. Free. 10am-2pm. Various locations (follow WeChat account ID: countryfair to find updated market schedules)
Every Saturday and Sunday: Farm to Neighbors
Advocating a zero-waste lifestyle, Farm to Neighbors (F2N) market offers fresh local vegetables and fruits, Beijing-made cheeses, bread, cookies, and numerous other delicious goodies. In keeping with the spirit of the other eco-friendly events on this list, please bring your own shopping bags along. Free. Midday-6pm. B1, Grand Summit
Photos courtesy of the organizers
