Wangfujing Snack Street 王府井

Introduction

Located in the hutongs to the West of the popular Wangfujing shopping street, this snack street really comes to life in the evenings.

Street food is a major part of Chinese culture and you’ll find all varieties to try here. Although it is now quite touristy, the stalls still sell traditional street food and snacks – and there are also an increasing number of sit down restaurants if you want to rest your feet after a busy day!

Don’t miss

Fried scorpions

Scary snacks like fried scorpions on a stick are all the rage at Wangfujing. Although they are more for the tourists than the locals, daring your friends to eat something creepy-crawly is a must-do!

Tanghulu

A speciality of Beijing, these candied fruits on a stick are a delicious sweet snack. As well as the original hawthorn versions, you can also buy those made from sweeter fruits such as strawberries or kiwi fruit.

Xianbing

A traditional Beijing meat pie, xianbing is just what you need to keep your energy up all evening. Consisting simply of mincemeat in a pastry pie, these are a safe bet for fussy eaters used to a more western diet.

Kebabs

Popular in the western and northern parts of China, these kebabs are often made from lamb or beef and are a staple street food. Watch them being cooked on long barbecues in front of you so you know they are fresh!

Stir-fried noodles

Stir-fried food is sold across China, popular for its ease of cooking and low price. For less than 10 RMB you can get yourself a delicious bowl of fried noodles, and only a few coins more will add stir-fried meat or vegetable toppings. A great way to fill yourself up after a busy day exploring!

Practical info

Transport: take metro line 1 to Wangfujing station (王府井) and head North for 3 minutes until you reach the pedestrianised zone. The snack streets are located in the hutongs to your left.

Top tip: in general, the more popular a stall is with the locals, the less likely you are to spend tomorrow stuck in the bathroom…

Nearby

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