Wangfujing Street Beijing Like a Local – Attractions, Famed Traditional Stores, and Must Eat Snacks

What do you get when you combine a thousand-year-old commercial area, traditional snack stalls, time-honoured local brands, today’s hottest global brands, and modern glitzy malls? Wangfujing Street Beijing. It’s one of China’s most famous shopping streets, and a must-visit on a Beijing trip.

It’s centrally located, crazy busy on weekends and holidays, and it’s like a rodeo ride through the evolution of China’s commercial culture. The entire street is over 1.5 km long, but it is the 800m pedestrian section that is the main area of focus, and thankfully, it begins just one block from Wangfujing Station.

The best part? It’s completely free to stroll and enjoy at any time of day or night. Later on, I suggest the best time to visit and the time not to visit (aka avoid the insane crowds). Let’s start with a map to get our bearings.

Wangfujing St Map

 

The Four Experiences of Wangfujing Street

First Stop: Traditional Time-Honoured Brands

Tracing the Sentiment and Craftsmanship of Time-Honoured Brands Wangfujing’s commercial history began with the Dong’an Market in 1903. This street is home to dozens of time-honoured brands that have accompanied generations of Chinese people. For foreign visitors, this is where you can find the most authentic “Chinese” souvenirs.

Gongmei Building (Yu Xun Jingxi Flagship Store) (CN: 工美大厦（予寻京喜旗舰店)): If you’re looking for a “Chinese gift”, this is the place to go. This store transforms intangible cultural heritage crafts (such as cloisonné and Beijing embroidery) into fashionable accessories and home goods.

China Photo Studio (CN: 中国照相馆): A popular state-owned old shop offering traditional, formal professional or family portrait photography experiences, a cultural experience in itself.

Wu Yutai Tea House (CN: 吴裕泰茶庄): A tea shop, yet there’s a long queue for ice cream? Their **tea-flavored ice cream** (matcha and flower tea flavors) is a must-try affordable treat in Wangfujing.

Shengxifu Hat Shop & Tongshenghe Shoe Shop (CN: 盛锡福帽店 & 同升和鞋店): If you’re looking for hats and handmade cloth shoes with traditional Chinese clothing features and exquisite craftsmanship, check them out.

Second Stop: Stepping into the Retro Era of “Old Beijing” vs the “Latest Trends”

If you’re curious about authentic old Beijing life, this section is not to be missed. And just get that China contradiction hit, step straight into Beijing apm.

Heping Guoju (CN: 和平菓局): Located on the B2 floor of Wangfujing Department Store. It brings an entire old Beijing hutong indoors, recreating scenes from the 1970s and 80s, such as green trains, a grand theatre, and grain and oil shops. It has a strong sense of history, is great for taking photos, and admission is free.

Beijing apm: A trendy hotspot for young people, home to Asia’s largest Apple Store and a LEGO flagship store, as well as a massive Hamleys toy store, making it ideal for families with children.

Third Stop: Unlocking Creative Gifts of “New Chinese Chic”

This is a particularly popular experience in recent years, especially suitable for tourists looking for unique handmade souvenirs.

Yu Xun Jing Xi Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts (CN: 予寻京喜·非遗手作): You can book a workshop to participate in the creation of intangible cultural heritage techniques such as cloisonné enamel or Beijing embroidery, becoming a “craftsman for a day” and crafting your own personalized travel souvenir.

Xiyue Shopping Center (CN: 喜悦购物中心): If you’re an anime and game enthusiast, this is paradise! The mall is themed around **anime/manga culture**, filled with mecha models, cyberpunk decorations, and anime merchandise shops.

Fourth Stop: A Culinary Exploration

Besides the well-known Quanjude Peking Duck and Donglaishun Hot Pot, these are well worth stuffing a bit more in:

Traditional Brand Snacks and Experiential Dining

• Donglaishun Restaurant (CN: 东来顺): Enjoy authentic Old Beijing Hot Pot (copper pot over charcoal fire) and experience the fun of cooking the meat yourself.
• Quanjude (CN: 全聚德) & Bianyifang (CN: 便宜坊): The iconic Peking Duck, with the chef’s live duck-slicing demonstration being one of the most popular parts for foreign tourists. Among locals, it’s a never ending debate as to which is better.

Specialty Snacks and Desserts

• Wangfujing Snack Street (CN: 王府井小吃街): Although somewhat commercialised, it offers a chance to sample a variety of snacks like tripe and candied hawthorn, satisfying curiosity.
• Wu Yutai Ice Cream (CN: 吴裕泰冰淇淋): Many foreigners find it unforgettable after trying it; it’s both a dessert and a cultural experience.

Fusion Cuisine and International Dining

• Hong Kong Style Restaurant (APM Branch): A Hong Kong-style tea restaurant that combines Eastern elegance with Western tastes. Their signature dish, Honey Thick Toast (ice cream on toast), is extremely popular.
• Saizeriya (Wangfujing Branch): A high-value Italian restaurant with affordable prices and a wide variety of flavors, suitable for tourists on a budget.

Must-See Attractions (of the non shopping variety)

Wangfujing is not just a shopping street, but also hides many interesting little attractions worth slowing down to discover:

Heping Guoju (CN: 和平菓局): Located on the B2 floor of Wangfujing Department Store. It brings an entire old Beijing hutong indoors, recreating scenes from the 1970s and 80s, such as green trains, a grand theatre, and grain and oil shops. It has a strong sense of history, is great for taking photos, and admission is free.

Wangfujing Catholic Church (CN: 王府井天主教堂): Commonly known as “East Church,” it is the second-oldest Catholic church in Beijing. Its grey brick dome and Romanesque architecture stand out in the bustling commercial street, making it a quiet oasis perfect for strolling and taking photos.

Jixiang Grand Theatre (CN: 吉祥大戏院): A century-old theatre located “above ground” in the Yintai in88 building. Besides Peking Opera performances, its cultural and creative shops and opera-themed cafes are also unique, and you can enjoy panoramic views of Wangfujing from its floor-to-ceiling windows.

China National Theatre for Children (CN: 中国儿童艺术剧院): A great place to visit if you’re travelling with children. As a national-level children’s theatre, it regularly stages high-quality children’s plays, providing unforgettable artistic experiences.

The Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum (王府井古人类文化遗址博物馆): Located inside Oriental Plaza Mall at the very southern end of Wangfujing St. The site was discovered in 1996 during the construction of the mall with excavations revealing over 2,000 cultural relics, including stone tools, animal skeletons (such as deer and ostrich), and charcoal remnants, dating back 15,000 to 26,000 years. Cost 10RMB.

Large malls along the street include

• Beijing APM (Song Don An) – that we mentioned earlier, is a hot spot for big-name brands like Apple, Lego
• Intime Lotte Department store – contemporary shopping mall with mid-level brands
• The Malls at Oriental Plaza – an upscale contemporary shopping mall also notable for the small museum mentioned previously.
• Beijing Department Store (CN: 北京市百货大楼) – A cultural milestone for China, constructed in 1955 under the new socialist system, it was the first department store in Beijing.

Other Interesting landmark stores

Depending on what takes your interest, these may be worth a look too

• Wangfujing Bookstore (CN: 王府井书店) – Massive multi-floor bookstore; a flagship of Chinese publishing, featuring a small but useful section of English-language books.
• Foreign Languages Bookstore (CN: 外文书店) – Specializes in imported books, foreign language learning materials, and multilingual magazines. A key stop for international visitors seeking reading material.
• Xin Zhong Guo Children’s Goods Store (CN: 新中国儿童用品商店) – A beloved Beijing institution entirely dedicated to children’s toys, clothing, books, and educational goods, with a history dating to the early years of the PRC.
• Yong Zheng Tailors Shop (CN: 永正裁缝店) – A high-end, old-school tailor shop known for custom-made suits, cheongsam (qipao), and traditional Chinese garments with precise hand-finishing.
• Tianfuhao Eating House (CN: 天福号) – Famous for its traditional fuzi (braised pork) and other classic Beijing-style cooked meats; a time-honored brand over 280 years old.
• Wangfujing Gongmei Emporium (CN: 王府井工美大厦) – A multi-story arts-and-crafts emporium featuring cloisonné, jade carvings, silk embroidery, and lacquerware; excellent for genuine “Chinese gift” shopping.
• Buyingzhai (CN: 步瀛斋) – Historic shoe shop from the late Qing dynasty, focusing on handcrafted cloth shoes, embroidered slippers, and traditional fabric soles.
• Neiliansheng (CN: 内联升) – Iconic maker of hand-sewn cloth shoes with stitched (“thousand-layer”) soles; once favored by Qing court officials and still famous for traditional men’s footwear.
• Tongshenghe (CN: 同升和) – Another renowned old shoe shop, notable for leather and cloth shoes, including custom orthopedic-style traditional footwear.
• Daiyuexuan Writing Brushes Store (CN: 戴月轩) – A legendary store for fine Chinese calligraphy and painting brushes, handmade with precise hair selection and over a century of reputation.
• Daoxiangchun (CN: 稻香春) – A long-established cake and pastry shop offering classic Beijing-style sweets (like mung bean cakes) and savories; a go-to for local snack gifts.
• Xiangjugong (CN: 祥聚公) – Traditional confectioner specializing in old-fashioned Beijing pastries and festive cakes, with a history closely tied to temple fair and holiday treats.
• Jianhua Fur Garment Store (CN: 建华皮货店) – A specialist fur and leather clothing store; known for quality pelts and classic designs, appealing to shoppers seeking winter luxury goods.
• Jiguge Antique Store (CN: 汲古阁) – A respected antique shop dealing in porcelain, old calligraphy, bronze reproductions, and collectibles; also known for restoring historic artifacts.
• Majuyuan Hat Store (CN: 马聚源) – Oldest hat shop on the street (founded 1811), once a “hat of choice” for Qing officials; sells traditional silk hats, mandarin caps, and winter fur hats.
• Shengxifu (CN: 盛锡福) – Another renowned hat maker known for leather, fur, straw and felt hats; combines Chinese and Western styles and still popular for quality headwear.
• Ruifuxiang Silk Store (CN: 瑞蚨祥) – Prestigious silk and fabric store from the late Qing dynasty; famous for high-end silk brocade, traditional wedding fabrics, and custom cheongsam tailoring.
• Wangmazi Scissors Shop (CN: 王麻子) – Legendary brand for scissors, knives, and shears; known for exceptional sharpness and durability, with a craftsmanship history spanning over 350 years.
• Yuanchanghou Tea House (CN: 元长厚茶庄) – Another classic tea house, founded in 1912, blending and selling fragrant jasmine tea, green tea, and pu’er; slower-paced and more traditional than larger chains.

Beyond Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

After the pedestrian section, which ends at the major intersection with Dong’anmen Street, there are still more shops but possibly the major attraction in this section is St. Joseph’s Wangfujing Church (王府井天主堂). It’s one of the four historic churches of Beijing and was built back in 1655 that we mentioned earlier.

Wangfujing is also very close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, within walking distance, making it ideal to visit them on the same day if you want to give the legs a real workout.

Getting There

The best option by far is the subway!

Line 1/Line 8: Get off at Wangfujing Station. Exit from Exit A or E to reach the south end of the pedestrian street.

Line 8: Get off at Jinyu Hutong Station. Exit the station to reach the north entrance of the pedestrian street, which is closer to shopping malls like apm and Yintai.

Visiting Tips and Best Times

Nothing opens until after ten in the morning, and you could go early, but my suggestion is to do the big nearby attractions, and then end up here around 3-4 PM for shopping and photos, then dinner between 6-7 PM and then enjoy the night view and the vibe of locals as they relax after work.

Avoid going here on weekends or national holidays unless you really want to feel the full force of the Chinese leisure and shopping battalions!

It’s not quite the wild-wild-east that it used to be, and scams are less and less, but here’s a tip, Chinese people never approach you, and if someone does, wielding offers of “one day tours”, “tea ceremonies”, “jewellery raffles” etc., just keep walking.

If you do have any troubles with overpriced goods or services, you can call the 12315 consumer complaint hotline.

Location Map

WangFuJing, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100006

The Top Hotels on Wangfujing Street

There are numerous, so I’ll point to the places you’d actually want to stay at