Japanese Crafts, Vintage Clothes, and Food Galore: Beijing's Best Markets, Bazaars, and Fairs

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

May 25: Hefeng Japanese Crafts Market
This Japanese themed market brings together vendors selling crafts and antiques they hunted down as tourists in Japan's vibrant arts and craft scene. Various Japanophiles will also give talks and share travel tips that will enrich your next visit to the Land of the Rising Sun (Tokyo's famous Asakusa district is pictured at top). Listen while enjoying beers, food, and other treats from Japan. RMB 58 (book your ticket here). 10am-8pm. Yan Jing Lane

May 24-26: Langyuan International Food Festival
Imagine nibbling on delicacies from over 30 countries in one place. That’s exactly what this three-day food festival has in store. Langyuan Station will turn into a foodie paradise thanks to vendors hawking French foie gras, Italian Parma ham, and Grana Padano cheese, and Japanese caviar and eel sushi, just to name a few. There will also be dancers, live music, and film screenings to keep you entertained. Free (RSVP in advance and take your ID or passport for check-in). 2-11pm. Langyuan Vintage

May 31-Jun 2: Vintage Clothes Hunting Party
There's no better way to upgrade your look than donning a few vintage threads. This market and party organized by a hidden vintage clothes store near Nanluogu Xiang will help you do just that. The shop offers a great number of vintage clothes of various styles, mostly from the 1980s. There will also be plenty of bargains, alongside an eye-catching rooftop view, free beer, music, film screenings, and what's sure to be a lively afterparty. Various times, contact the organizer to inquire (WeChat ID: misswild1 or call 186 0112 6023). Free (bring your own bag). Midday-10pm. Huangwu & Jingqi Vintage Club

Jun 1: Go Back to Crafts Market
Organized by Jop Pottery, this market brings together craftspeople from around the city to sell their works. Those wares include 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. Aiyuedu Library

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 an array 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. 11am-6pm. 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 (click here for Beijing Farmers' Market schedule)

Every Saturday and Sunday: Farm to Neighbors (F2N)
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. Like other conscientious events on this list, please bring your own shopping bags along. Free. Midday-6pm. B1, Grand Summit

Want to party after your day of shopping? Browse the best of Beijing's nightlife events here.

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Email: kuang@thebeijinger.com
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Photos: Unsplash, courtesy of event organizers