Best Guide to Shopping at Hongqiao Pearl Market in Beijing

Hello everyone! I’m Alex Chen, an independent traveler from China who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations around the world. Through this blog, I aim to share tips on how to travel around China on a budget. Today, I’ll introduce you to a hidden gem in Beijing—Hongqiao Pearl Market. This market is not just a shopping paradise but also an excellent spot to experience authentic local life.

Introduction to Hongqiao Pearl Market

Hongqiao Pearl Market is famous for its reputation as the “Number One Pearl Market in Beijing”. It offers a wide variety of pearl jewelry with unique designs, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The market also features scenic restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while admiring the stunning view of the Temple of Heaven in a quiet and elegant atmosphere.

• Address: 9 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Featured Products: Pearls are the highlight here, but you’ll also find cookware, clothing, shoes, bags, and electronics such as mobile phones, watches, headphones, and laptops.

A Brief History of Hongqiao Pearl Market

Hongqiao Pearl Market dates back to 1979, emerging alongside China’s economic reform. Originally, it was a street market near the east gate of the Temple of Heaven, selling vegetables, seafood, meat, flowers, and ornamental fish. Over time, as farmers brought surplus produce to sell in the city, it gradually evolved into a bustling marketplace.

Today, Hongqiao Pearl Market is a well-known landmark in Beijing and is featured in international travel guides as a must-visit shopping destination. The market attracts nearly a million foreign visitors annually and has hosted over 1,500 foreign dignitaries and delegations.

What to Buy at Hongqiao Pearl Market?

• First Floor:Electronics Section – A paradise for tech lovers, offering a wide range of high-tech gadgets.
• Second Floor:Clothing and Souvenirs – This floor is particularly popular among international tourists, especially for traditional Chinese clothing and souvenirs.
• Third & Fourth Floors:Pearl Section – The fourth floor features branded pearl shops with higher prices, while the third floor offers more affordable options.

How to Buy Pearls and Bargain at Hongqiao Pearl Market?

How to Choose Pearls

• Before visiting, research the basics of pearls—decide whether you prefer saltwater pearls or freshwater pearls and what style you like.
• Shop on the third floor instead of the fourth, as prices on the fourth floor are higher due to branding. The third floor has hundreds of stalls, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deal.
• When buying, sellers will usually bring out multiple pearl strands for you to examine, and they can customize the jewelry on-site.

How to Bargain

• Price Reference:
  • Freshwater pearls: Typically priced around 500 RMB.
  • Akoya pearls (8-9mm): About 1,000 RMB.
  • Australian white pearls: Start at 1,000 RMB, but higher-quality ones can go up to 3,000 RMB.
• Bargaining Tips:
  • Expect to negotiate a 30% discount off the initial price.
  • Avoid giving a price first—let the seller quote, then start bargaining at 50% lower than their offer.
  • Compare with other shops and point out any pearl imperfections to lower the price.
  • Ask for free extras, such as pearl earrings or a polishing cloth.
• Authenticity:
  • Shops on the fourth floor can provide authenticity certificates, but their credibility varies.

Where to Eat Near Hongqiao Pearl Market?

• Love Curry Indian Restaurant (Hongqiao Market Branch)
  • Must-try dish: Butter naan with tomato curry—absolutely delicious!
  • Address: B1 Floor, Hongqiao Pearl Market, 9 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
  • Average Cost:97 RMB per person
• Yin San Douzhi (Hongqiao Market Branch)
  • Must-try dishes: Fermented mung bean soup (Douzhi), crispy fried rings (Jiaoquan), sesame pancakes, and sweet rice rolls (Lvdagun). A well-known local chain with consistently good flavors.
  • Address: B1 Floor, Hongqiao Pearl Market, 011, 46 Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
  • Average Cost:16 RMB per person

Cheap Hotel Recommendations Near Hongqiao Pearl Market

GreenTree Alliance Hotel (Beijing Tiantan East Gate Branch)

• Why stay here? Affordable and conveniently located near Hongqiao Market and the Temple of Heaven.
• Address: 7-2 West TiYuguan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing (Behind Hongqiao Market)
• Price per night:300 RMB
• Booking & Details:Click here

Home Inn Plus (Beijing Tiantan East Gate Branch)

• Why stay here? A budget-friendly chain hotel located within walking distance of Hongqiao Market.
• Address: 25 West TiYuguan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing (470m from Tiantan East Gate Subway Station, Exit B)
• Price per night:350 RMB
• Booking & Details:Click here

How to Get to Hongqiao Pearl Market from Downtown Beijing?

By Subway

Take Line 5 to Tiantan East Gate Station. Exit at B, then walk 5 minutes to reach the market.

By Bus

Take bus 36, 39, or 106, which stop at Tiantan East Gate or Hongqiao Market.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

A 20-30 minute taxi ride from downtown areas like Wangfujing or Xidan costs around 20 RMB.

How to Get to Hongqiao Pearl Market from Beijing Capital International Airport

If you’re arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport, taking the subway is the most recommended and cost-effective way to reach Hongqiao Pearl Market. However, if you have a lot of luggage, using a ride-hailing service or a taxi might be a more convenient option.

By Subway

1. Take the Airport Express Line from Beijing Capital Airport to Dongzhimen Station.
2. Transfer to Metro Line 5 and travel directly to Tiantan East Gate Station.
3. Exit at D, then walk about 10 minutes to reach Hongqiao Pearl Market.

This route is budget-friendly and efficient, with a total travel time of approximately 1 hour.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

Taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app like DiDi is the fastest but most expensive option.

• Travel time: 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
• Estimated fare: 150-300 RMB.

How to Get to Hongqiao Pearl Market from Beijing Daxing International Airport

For travelers arriving at Beijing Daxing International Airport, taking the subway is the most economical choice. However, since Daxing Airport is located far from Hongqiao Pearl Market, taxi and ride-hailing fares can be quite high.

By Subway

1. Take the Daxing Airport Line from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Caoqiao Station.
2. Transfer to Metro Line 10 and ride to Songjiazhuang Station.
3. Transfer to Metro Line 5 and continue to Tiantan East Gate Station.
4. Exit at D, then walk 10 minutes to reach Hongqiao Pearl Market.

This journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and is a cost-effective and reliable option.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

A taxi or DiDi ride from Daxing Airport to Hongqiao Pearl Market is a direct and convenient option.

• Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• Estimated fare: 200-350 RMB.