Discover Treasures at Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing

Hello everyone, I’m Alex Chen, a passionate traveler from China who loves independent trips. I enjoy exploring hidden corners around the world filled with stories and sharing practical tips on how to travel deeply across China on a low budget. This time, I want to introduce you to Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing—a place full of authentic local vibes and unexpected treasures. If you love discovering a city’s true soul on foot, this guide will be perfect for you.

Panjiayuan Antique Market Introduction

Panjiayuan Antique Market is the most popular second-hand market in China. It operates year-round, with outdoor stalls opening every weekend. On weekends, the market attracts 60,000 to 70,000 visitors daily, including nearly 10,000 international tourists. Climbing the Great Wall, eating Peking duck, visiting the Forbidden City, and shopping at Panjiayuan Antique Market have become essential activities for tourists visiting Beijing. Many foreign dignitaries, such as Hillary Clinton, Speaker of the U.S. House Dennis Hastert, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Năstase, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, and Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, have visited and shopped here.

• Address: No. 18, Huawei Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening hour: It is highly recommended to visit on weekends when outdoor stalls open, making the market more lively and offering more choices.
  • From April 8 to October 7 (Summer Time):
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
    • Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Saturday: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Sunday: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • From October 8 to April 7 (Winter Time):
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
    • Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Saturday: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
    • Sunday: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Featured items: various types of bead bracelets, bangles, vintage collectibles, and small artifacts.
• Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours

Panjiayuan Antique Market Map

What to Buy at Panjiayuan Antique Market?

• Greenhouse Area 1: Specializes in jade, jadeite, folding fans, and handicrafts. Items such as Hetian jade, Jiangxi ceramics, Jiangsu Yixing clay teapots, and ethnic jewelry from Yunnan and Guizhou are excellent picks.
• Greenhouse Area 2: Focuses on Bodhi bead bracelets, King Kong beads, star-moon beads, walnuts, cinnabar, and other religious or spiritual items, available both wholesale and retail. Spend extra time here browsing for unique finds.
• East Outdoor Stalls: Mainly sell crystals, pearls, and accessories made of South Red Agate.
• Jia and Bing Rows: These are more upscale shops with slightly higher prices, offering jewelry, returned antiques, and seals. The second floor specializes in calligraphy and paintings.
• West Old Books Area: Displays vintage books and paintings, ideal for book lovers and art collectors.
• West Outdoor Stalls: Focus on miscellaneous antiques, porcelain, and vintage collectibles. It is not recommended to purchase expensive items here, as authenticating antiques requires professional expertise.
• Yi Row, Buildings A and B: Famous for the night market featuring jewelry, jade, and bead bracelets. The night market only opens on weekends and during evening hours.

How to Bargain at Panjiayuan Antique Market?

• Items priced under 20 RMB are usually non-negotiable, but discounts are often available for bulk purchases.
• Always compare prices among vendors. Many stalls offer similar products; for example, a bracelet sold for 20 RMB at one stall might be only 15 RMB at another. Take your time before paying. Most bead bracelets range from 10–30 RMB. If a price exceeds this range, bargaining is absolutely necessary.
• Avoid purchasing items priced over 100 RMB. Panjiayuan Antique Market is not the ideal place for high-value transactions. Both the authenticity of items and huge price differences among vendors can be risky for buyers.

Recommended Food Near Panjiayuan Antique Market

The food court next to the East Greenhouse is perfect for quick bites, offering a variety of street foods. For a proper meal, check out these nearby restaurants:

Jubaoyuan (Panjiayuan Branch)

• Why recommend: A long-standing Beijing hotpot brand beloved by locals. Authentic flavors guaranteed.
• Address: 2nd Floor, Building A30, Panjiayuan Dongli, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Business hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
• Average cost: 118 RMB

Guanshi Wings Bar (Panjiayuan Branch)

• Why recommend: Conveniently located next to Panjiayuan Antique Market. Great choice for grilled skewers.
• Address: Northwest corner inside Panjiayuan Antique Market, Building 18, Huawei Li, Panjiayuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Business hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
• Average cost: 84 RMB

How to Get to Panjiayuan Antique Market from Downtown Beijing

Since traffic near Panjiayuan Antique Market is often heavy, taking the subway is the most convenient way.

Subway

From downtown Beijing, take Subway Line 10 and get off at Panjiayuan Station. Exit from Exit B, and the market’s north gate is less than 100 meters away.

Bus

If you prefer the bus, get off at Panjiayuan Bridge West Station, which is right by the north gate. Buses 34 and 63 stop here.

Taxi/Ride-hailing

If you take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app, the trip from downtown Beijing usually takes about 30 minutes and costs around 30 RMB.

FAQ