Hongqiao Market

Written by Matteo Updated Jun. 23, 2025

Hongqiao market is located in the south central area of Beijing, east of the Temple of Heaven. As you’d expect, the Hongqiao market is famous for pearls, but the market has a lot more to offer than three floors of pearls and jewellery. It is an indoor mall with a seafood market in the basement and 5 other floors.

The massive seafood market in the basement has played an important role since its opening of the market. There are many varieties of seafood on sale, ranging from common fish, shrimp and crabs and most of which are sold on to hotels and restaurants in Beijing.

On the ground floor are MP3 players, digital cameras, DVD players and other electrical items. There is also a large selection of watches, silks and underwear.

On the second floor, there are branded clothing, silks, shoes, suitcases and handbags. You'll notice here that a lot of shops sell the same items, so make sure you haggle over the price to get yourself a bargain.

The third floor divides into two halves. The first selling Chinese arts and crafts while the second is where the famous pearl market begins, but doesn't end.

Pearls cover the fourth and fifth floors as well. The higher you go, the more exclusive the pearls and other jewellery.

Shopping here is as you would expect at any Chinese market. It's crazy, loud, aggressive and a lot of fun. Prices start high here, and the vendors know it, so bargaining over price is essential and expected from you. If your battering skills aren't good, explain that you can't afford it and walk away; the vendors will come running after you and offer a better price.

Quick Facts on Hongqiao Market

The Seafood Market

The seafood market here is more popular with restaurants and hotels than shopping local shoppers. It is an interesting place to browse and get a feel for what a traditional wet market is like.

Head for the fish stalls, which are stacked with teams of fresh varieties: crabs piled high, rows of neatly arranged fish and loads of baby sharks piled on top of each other. The fish is so fresh that you will probably see some of it move.

The Pearl Market

The biggest draw to Hongqiao Market is the pearls. It's the largest pearl distributor in China and is the largest section of the market. There are many varieties of pearls, with different colours, sizes and qualities, and prices range from a few yuan to thousands. The higher the floor, the higher the price and the better the quality.

You will find freshwater pearls, seawater pearls, coral, emeralds, gems and other precious stones. It is easy to become amazed by the array of exquisite jewels for your ear, and it's possible to spend hours searching for the perfect gift here.

The Pearl Market is world famous, and the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was a regular visitor here.

A Quick Guide to Buying Pearls

With the development of artificial pearls, cultured pearls have expanded in sufficient quantities to make them available to almost everyone. Pearls developed by natural methods are sought after and often sold at auction. Natural pearls are sold at the pearl market, identifiable by the price.

Several things establish the value of a pearl. The larger the pearl, the rarer and more expensive it is. The shape of the pearl needs to be perfect, and the surface of the pearl should glow. It is blemish-free, and if you're buying a strand, then they need to match.

Freshwater pearls are naturally white, ivory, pink, and coral or peach, but you'll find an exciting selection of other colours at the market. This is achieved by adding a special dye using a laser and is popular in China.

Don't be put off if you don't have any knowledge of pearls. Pearl Market is fun, and no doubt you'll find something to suit you and your budget.

Create My Trip