Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street, a 1.5-kilometer-long bustling avenue in Beijing’s Dongcheng District, is one of China’s most famous shopping and cultural districts. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (13th century), it evolved from a well-filled area to a thriving commercial hub during the Qing Dynasty. Today, it harmonizes historic landmarks like Ming-era temples with luxury malls, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Renowned for its pedestrian-friendly layout, iconic snack street, and high-end retail, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
Historical Overview
Wangfujing’s history began in the Yuan Dynasty as a residential area near the imperial palace. In the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it gained prominence as a commercial district, with shops selling silk, tea, and handicrafts. During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), it became a hub for foreign trade, hosting British and Russian merchants. Post-1949, it transformed into a state-run commercial center, and in the 1990s, it underwent massive redevelopment, emerging as Beijing’s premier luxury shopping destination.
Structural Layout
The street runs north-south, connecting East Chang’an Avenue to Wu Si Street. Key features include:
- Pedestrian Zone: A car-free central section lined with modern malls and traditional shops.
- Historic Landmarks: Ming Dynasty temples, Qing Dynasty shopfronts, and the 1904 St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
- Luxury Malls: Flagship stores like Wangfujing Department Store and Beijing APM.
- Snack Street: A 100-meter alley dedicated to local street food.
Major Attractions
St. Joseph’s Cathedral: A 1904 Gothic-style church with stained-glass windows and a 35-meter bell tower.
Wangfujing Snack Street: Offers Beijing specialties like jianbing (savory crepes), laba porridge, and candied haws.
Peace Fruit Bureau: A retro-themed cultural space in a restored 1950s warehouse.
Wangfujing Department Store: A 1955-founded landmark selling traditional Chinese goods.
Beijing APM: A modern mall housing international brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Shopping Route (2–3 hours):
Start at East Chang’an Avenue → Wangfujing Department Store → Beijing APM → Snack Street → Exit at Wu Si Street.
Highlights: Luxury brands, local snacks, and historic shopfronts.
- Cultural Deep Dive (3–4 hours):
Add: St. Joseph’s Cathedral → Peace Fruit Bureau → Side lanes (explore Qing Dynasty shops).
Highlights: Architectural heritage and retro culture.
Ticket Purchase
St. Joseph’s Cathedral: Free entry; donations welcome.
Peace Fruit Bureau: ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students). Free for children under 1.2m.
Other Sites: Most malls and shops are free to enter.
Online: Book Peace Fruit Bureau tickets via WeChat mini-programs.
On-Site: Tickets available at cultural site entrances.
Transportation
Subway: Line 1 to Wangfujing Station (Exit C), walk 2 minutes north.
Bus: Routes 1, 2, 10, 37, 52, or 82 to Wangfujing Stop.
Taxi: Direct to “Wangfujing Dajie” (Wangfujing Street).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit early (9–10 AM) or late (4–5 PM); weekends are busiest.
Season: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (street is pedestrianized but lengthy).
Bring cash for snack street vendors.
Photography allowed (no flash in churches).
Prohibited: Selfie sticks, drones, and loud noise.
Try Local Snacks: Tanghulu (candied haws) and douzhi (fermented mung bean milk).
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
