Viva Plaza

Viva Plaza is a vibrant market located in the heart of Beijing's Chaoyang district, along the busy East 3rd Ring Middle Road. This market is a hub for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, as well as packaged goods and household items. The atmosphere is energetic, with vendors calling out their wares and shoppers haggling over prices. Beyond groceries, you'll find small eateries serving up traditional Beijing street food like jianbing (savory crepes) and lamb skewers. The market is a great place to experience daily life in Beijing and sample authentic flavors. While not a tourist attraction per se, it provides a genuine glimpse into the city's culinary culture.

Don't miss

• Browse fresh produce stalls with exotic fruits and vegetables
• Sample local street food like jianbing and chuan'r (grilled skewers)
• Watch vendors prepare traditional snacks on the spot
• Pick up unique Chinese ingredients and spices

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Viva Plaza

Cheapest way inForbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket Booking4.7★ · 162 travelers2-4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Most bookedForbidden City&T-Square Small GroupTours w/ ticket(Eng/Esp Guide)4.9★ · 1,265 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$16 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleTiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace4.9★ · 290 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$138 per personSee dates →

Good for

How travelers rate it

Getting there

Know before you go

• Bring cash as some vendors may not accept cards or mobile payments.
• Haggling is common but keep it friendly; prices are often already low.
• Try the freshly made snacks – they're a highlight of the visit.
• Go early to avoid the biggest crowds and get the best selection.

A bit of history

Viva Plaza has served as a local market for many years, adapting to the changing needs of Beijing's residents. It reflects the city's rapid urbanization and the enduring importance of traditional wet markets in Chinese daily life.