Quick answer: The Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market) at 9 Tiantan Road, outside the Temple of Heaven, sells far more than pearls across four floors – and every price is an opening position, so bargain on everything.
Despite the name, the Pearl Market is really a general shopping building, and haggling is expected on every floor. See our Beijing local guide for more of the city.
Four floors, four different markets
The ground floor carries electronics, watches, glasses and groceries; the first floor clothing, shoes, bags and luggage; the second floor freshwater pearls, jade and carved artefacts; and the top floor higher-priced jewellery.
How to actually shop it
Displayed prices are opening positions rather than fixed – bargaining is expected throughout the building and often brings the final figure well below the first quote. Quality varies considerably, particularly among the pearls, and any certificate offered on the spot is worth treating with caution.
Getting there
The market sits immediately outside the eastern side of Temple of Heaven park. The nearest subway station is Tiantandongmen on Line 5, about six minutes away on foot.
Its Country Kitchen restaurant serves refined regional Chinese cooking a short drive from Temple of Heaven – a comfortable finish after an afternoon of haggling.
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