When it comes to Beijing's night markets, Gui Street is an unmissable culinary landmark. For Beijingers, Gui Street is a comforting late-night refuge, a lively world of street-side flavors after a long day. For visitors, Gui Street is a must-visit destination for experiencing Beijing's authentic everyday atmosphere. Gui Street was originally called "Ghost Street". According to local tales, in the early years when a morning market first formed here, vendors began working before dawn, and their dim, flickering lights resembled ghostly flames — hence the name "Ghost Street". In 2000, "Ghost Street" was officially renamed "Gui Street", with a sculpture of an ancient food vessel known as a "Gui" placed at the street entrance, lending the night market a more elegant and symbolic identity.

Stretching from Dongzhimen in the east to Jiaodaokou in the west, this 1.5-kilometer street is lined with restaurants and always buzzing with people. From dusk till dawn, the steam, aromas and crowds never cease, making it a must-visit for both locals and travelers seeking the flavors of nighttime Beijing.

Gui Street Huda Restaurant

Must Try Dishes

Spicy Crayfish: Known locally as "mala crayfish", or simply "ma xiao", this is the signature dish of Gui Street. The bright red shells are coated in rich, aromatic broth, bursting with numbing spice, heat, freshness, and fragrance. Paired with an ice-cold beer, it becomes the perfect taste of a Beijing summer night. Huda Restaurant (open 24 hours) and Zaizai Crayfish on Gui Street are both highly recommended. 

Spicy Crayfish

Gluttonous Frog: The Gluttonous Frog at Jialing Lou is another crowd favorite. The vibrant red broth brims with peppercorns and chilies, and the tender frog meat slips off the bone at the slightest bite — rich, silky, and addictive.

Traditional Copper-Pot Hotpot: To experience authentic Beijing flavor, head to Peking Bro. Thinly sliced lamb cooks in just seconds, turning melt-in-your-mouth tender. Paired with sesame flatbread, pea pudding, and other classic Beijing snacks, it delivers the full "old Beijing" experience.

In addition, northeastern barbecue, hand-pulled lamb, luzhu huoshao (bittern flapjack), baodu, fried sausage, and other traditional Beijing snacks can be found throughout the street's many restaurants and alleyway eateries, creating a vibrant and diverse feast of flavors.

Travel Tips

1. Subway Line 5 stops directly at Gui Street. Luggage can be stored in station lockers for an easy, hands-free visit.

2. The surrounding area is home to many old hutongs. After your meal, take a stroll through the nearby lanes to aid digestion and enjoy authentic hutong culture.