Zhongyi Market
Lijiang's vibrant Zhongyi Market offers an authentic local experience with delicious, affordable street food and a glimpse into daily life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant street food scene
Zhongyi Market
Best Time
Vibrant street food scene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lijiang's vibrant Zhongyi Market offers an authentic local experience with delicious, affordable street food and a glimpse into daily life.
"A hidden gem market, frequented by locals, offering an authentic, unpolished vibe and great deals."
🎯 Eat Like a Local
Dive into delicious and economical street food, especially grilled meats and fried dishes. 🍽️
💰 Bargain Hunter's Haven
Find items much cheaper than in tourist areas; perfect for souvenirs and daily essentials. :moneybag:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 37 reviews
Type
Point of interest
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Street Food Paradise
Throughout the market
Savor a wide array of grilled meats, fried noodles, and local specialties. A must-try for any foodie!
Authentic Local Experience
Market stalls
Immerse yourself in the unpolished charm, interacting with vendors and locals.
Fresh Produce Galore
Wet market section
Discover colorful fruit stalls and fresh produce, showcasing the region's bounty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Timing is Key for Foodies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Eat Like a Local
Dive into delicious and economical street food, especially grilled meats and fried dishes. +1 🍽️
💰 Bargain Hunter's Haven
Find items much cheaper than in tourist areas; perfect for souvenirs and daily essentials. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Get lost in the colorful stalls and soak in the authentic, unpolished vibe. 🚶
🚌 Easy Access
Take bus 101 from Zhongyi Market to JDSM for a scenic journey. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Eat Like a Local
Dive into delicious and economical street food, especially grilled meats and fried dishes. +1 🍽️
💰 Bargain Hunter's Haven
Find items much cheaper than in tourist areas; perfect for souvenirs and daily essentials. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Get lost in the colorful stalls and soak in the authentic, unpolished vibe. 🚶
🚌 Easy Access
Take bus 101 from Zhongyi Market to JDSM for a scenic journey.
📸 Capture the Colors
The market's vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make for great photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Zhongyi Market is praised as a hidden gem offering an authentic local experience with delicious and affordable street food. Visitors appreciate its unpolished charm and the opportunity to see daily life in Lijiang. While it can get busy, it's generally less crowded than tourist hotspots and provides ample seating for diners.
"It has a day and night market. A must come as all the items are much cheaper than the old town. Make this your foodie area."
W Tate
"It is nice street market and many variety of foods and drinks are available. Most of foods are grilled or BBQ. Good to visit if would like to taste the street foods."
James Ong
"This is a hidden gem of a market, largely frequented by locals rather than tourists, which gives it an authentic, unpolished vibe. It’s a fantastic spot for anyone looking to experience the day-to-day life of Lijiang. The market is full of colorful fruit stalls, delicious street food, wet markets with fresh produce, and all kinds of daily essentials. Prices here are much more affordable than in the more tourist-heavy areas of the city. If you’re looking for a true local experience and great deals, this is definitely the place to visit!"
The Compass Guy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zhongyi Market is located within Lijiang Old Town. You can easily reach it by walking if you're already exploring the old town. For those coming from further afield, local buses and taxis are readily available. Some travelers mention taking bus 101 from Zhongyi Market to reach other attractions like JDSM.
Yes, Zhongyi Market is a well-known area within Lijiang Old Town, often referred to as the South Gate area. It's a central point for local life and street food.
Yes, Didi (China's ride-sharing app) is a convenient option to get to or from Zhongyi Market, especially if you're coming from outside the immediate old town area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Zhongyi Market is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. It's a free-to-access area within Lijiang Old Town.
Zhongyi Market operates as both a day and night market. While stalls are present during the day, it becomes particularly lively and offers a wider variety of street food in the evenings. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a fantastic variety of street food, with a strong emphasis on grilled meats, BBQ, fried rice, and noodles. It's also a great place to sample local delicacies and fresh produce. +1
The market can get quite busy, especially in the evenings when locals and tourists alike come for dinner. However, it's generally less crowded than the main tourist thoroughfares and offers plenty of seating for diners. +1
It's largely frequented by locals, giving it an authentic, unpolished vibe. You'll see farmers selling their products and experience the day-to-day life of Lijiang.
Yes, you can find various daily essentials and unique items. Prices are generally more affordable than in the more tourist-heavy parts of Lijiang Old Town.
While some events have been held at Zhongyi Market in Zhengzhou city focusing on TCM, the Lijiang Zhongyi Market is primarily known for its street food and local produce, not TCM experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the grilled meats, often seasoned with local spices. Fried rice and noodles are also popular choices. Look out for unique ingredients like wild ingredients, dried moss, and local apples.
Absolutely! Prices at Zhongyi Market are significantly more affordable than in the main tourist areas of Lijiang Old Town, making it a great spot for budget-conscious travelers. +1
Unlike some bustling night markets, Zhongyi Market typically has plenty of seating available, allowing you to enjoy your meal comfortably.
You can find a variety of local drinks, including juices and possibly some traditional beverages, to complement your street food.
📸 📸 Photography
The market offers vibrant scenes of colorful fruit stalls, bustling food vendors, locals in traditional attire, and the general lively atmosphere. The evening light can also create beautiful shots.
Generally, it's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or their specific products, especially if you're not purchasing anything. However, capturing the overall market ambiance is usually fine.
Both day and night offer unique photographic opportunities. Daytime highlights the fresh produce and market activity, while evenings offer a more atmospheric, neon-lit street food scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit