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Wangfujing - Beijing’s Premier Pedestrian Street Next to the Forbidden City
Published: November 28, 2025
Editor: Ruoxi

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is one of Beijing’s most famous commercial avenues. Stretching 1,818 meters, it lies just east of the Forbidden City, running from East Chang’an Avenue in the south to Wusi Street in the north. Today, it is a vibrant modern commercial hub that seamlessly integrates shopping, dining, culture, tourism, and entertainment. Lined with hundreds of shops, Wangfujing blends luxury malls with time-honored traditional brands.

Key Areas & Highlights

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street (Core Zone): A car-free promenade ideal for leisurely strolls.

Beijing APM: A large shopping mall featuring trendy, youth-oriented brands and a wide selection of dining options.

Beijing Department Store: A long-established department store with a rich history and a comprehensive range of goods. Inside is “Heping Guoju”, a themed area recreating the charm of old Beijing hutongs, perfect for photos.

WF Central: A high-end shopping complex showcasing numerous international luxury brands, known for its striking architectural design.

Time-Honored Brands

Wangfujing is home to many “China Time-Honored” shops, which are excellent places to experience traditional craftsmanship and culture.

Sheng Xifu: Famous for handcrafted hats.

Neiliansheng: Renowned for traditional multi-layered cloth shoes.

Ruifuxiang: A celebrated silk and fabric store with a global reputation.

China Photo Studio: A historic photography studio with deep cultural roots.

Cultural & Religious Sites

St. Joseph’s Wangfujing Cathedral (Dongtang): One of Beijing’s four major Catholic churches, built in the Romanesque style.

Wangfujing Bookstore: A large comprehensive bookstore, an ideal spot for book lovers.

Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum: Located on Level B3 of Oriental Plaza’s First Street, the museum features exhibitions on Late Paleolithic cultural relics discovered in the area.

Foreign Currency Exchange

At Exit E of Beijing Metro Wangfujing Station (Line 8), the Passenger Service Center hosts a “United Currency Exchange” window offering more than 40 foreign currencies, including USD, EUR, and JPY, and services such as online reservations and small-denomination exchange.