A Stroll Through the Delightfully Local Chaowai Morning Market
I’ve long been a big fan of food markets. The appeal of the great and affordable local food goes without saying, but there's something so irresistible about their bustling, exotic and chaotic atmospheres. As a city that is early to rise, Beijing comes into full swing well before 7am, and morning markets offering local produce are still considered one of the centerpieces of traditional daily life, that defines this rugged, charming city.
Tucked inside the Third Ring of Chaoyang District, directly across from the southwest corner of the Workers' Stadium complex, Chaowai Morning Market, much to our delight, has survived the forced renovation which swept across the city in a bid to modernize the capital, and is still frequented by the city’s locals. The market only lasts a few hours from early morning to noon, with hardcore vendors pouring in at around 5am, getting their stalls set up ready to welcome early bird customers.
Venture into the open-air market, and you will be immediately pulled into the excitement of the moment. Rows and rows of vendors vye for your business by yelling about their wares which include a broad selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, dried goods, fresh noodles, and nuts, as well as household items and small trinkets, all with prices much lower than the average food store.
Further behind the market, there are a few vendors selling snacks to whet your appetite, slowly stirring pots of fragrant treats and local specialties, including freshly pressed sesame oil which smells so nice that you have to exercise superhuman restraint to walk by without buying some.There are also stalls selling clothing and shoes, with tailors sitting behind sewing machines which are still operated by foot.
As you continue past the rows of stalls, you’ll be welcomed by friendly vendors asking you to have a bite of the fruit to prove its freshness, you'll overhear interested buyers commenting on vegetable prices and bargaining with vendors, and plenty of chit-chat between vendors, all mingling with the odor of the food wafting in the air. Despite all the hustle and bustle, the atmosphere is actually very laid-back and cheerful.
Another fascinating aspect of the market is that it’s great for people watching – how they dress, how they interact with each other, what they buy to feed their family. You’ll end up getting a quirky and authentic cultural insight into people’s lives here, not to mention great photo opportunities.
The market is not usually frequented by the expat community, so be prepared for the fact that your foreignness might make you stand out among the local customers. Take it as a great opportunity to chat and practice the language; believe me, most people will love it if you try to speak Chinese with them, even if you can only say a few words.
Still haven’t experienced the hidden delights of food markets? Come, poke your nose around at Chaowai Morning Market, and enjoy an extraordinary morning.
Chaowai Morning Market
Daily 5am-midday. Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District
朝外地区便民早市：朝阳区工人体育场南路朝外地区便民早市
This article originally appeared on our sister site beijingkids.
READ: Browse Beijing’s Last Ghost Market Before it Becomes an Apparition
Photos: 豆兕
