Just steps away from the Temple of Heaven in Dongcheng district, Hongqiao Market (红桥市场) has been a beloved shopping destination for nearly 50 years. Known as “Beijing’s First Pearl Market”, it attracts nearly 1 million international visitors each year. During her 1995 visit to China, former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) was impressed by a vendor’s pearl-stringing craftsmanship.

Today, Hongqiao Market combines pearls, jewelry, traditional Chinese handicrafts, electronics, souvenirs, and local food under one roof, making it a favorite stop for international travelers looking to buy what they need and experience Beijing’s vibrant shopping culture.

Best time to visit
Hongqiao Market is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
As an indoor market, it is suitable to visit year-round. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
Many visitors combine a trip to Hongqiao Market with a visit to the nearby Temple of Heaven, spending a leisurely half day shopping after sightseeing.

Things to do at Hongqiao Market
1. Shop for pearls. Hongqiao Market is renowned for its extensive selection of pearls, ranging from affordable freshwater pearls to premium seawater pearls. The third floor offers a wide variety of reasonably priced options for everyday wear, while the fourth floor specializes in high-end pearl jewelry and gifts.
Try on the pearl jewelry personally. Compare prices, examine pearls under natural light, and look for those with a bright luster, a round shape, and few blemishes. Bargaining is common in many shops.
2. Browse souvenirs and handicrafts. Beyond pearls, visitors can shop for other jewelry, traditional Chinese handicrafts, electronics, souvenirs, and everyday goods, making the market a convenient one-stop shopping destination.
3. Enjoy the view from Guantan Art Space (观坛艺术空间). Located on the fifth floor, Guantan Art Space features meeting rooms, exhibition areas, a tea room, a reading lounge, and a rooftop garden. It also offers panoramic views of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qinian Dian, 祈年殿) in the Temple of Heaven, making it a wonderful spot for photos, especially at sunset.

Travel tips
• Some shops participate in China's departure tax refund program for overseas visitors. Look for "Tax Free" signs or directly ask shop staff for confirmation.
• Keep your receipt if your purchase qualifies for a tax refund (exceeding 200 yuan, $29.85).
• Pearl prices generally rank from highest to lowest as follows: Australian South Sea, Golden South Sea, Akoya/Tahitian, and freshwater pearls. Compare carefully before buying.
• The pearl area on the third floor can be crowded and stuffy during peak hours; a small fan may be helpful.
• If you get hungry, head to the basement food court.

Transportation
• By metro
Take metro Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen (天坛东门) Station (Exit B), then walk about seven minutes to the market.
• By Bus
Take buses 6, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 43, 60, 116, 525, 610, 614, 684, 685, 687, 707, or 723 to Fahuasi (法华寺) Station.
• By Taxi
Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient.
• Driving
Driving is possible. The market has an underground parking garage, but spaces are limited. Parking costs about 10 yuan per hour.