Wangfujing Street is perhaps the liveliest place in Beijing after the Forbidden City. The pedestrian zone stretches for almost two kilometers, and here you can find literally everything: from luxurious boutiques of world brands to traditional Chinese shops with tea and sweets. The street operates around the clock and has no days off, so you can stroll here at any time.
During the day — shopping, in the evening — lights, 3D displays, and a special atmosphere for which even those who do not plan to buy anything come here.
Architecture and Atmosphere on Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing is a whimsical mix of architectural styles. Modern glass facades of shopping centers coexist with traditional Chinese roofs and buildings in Western style. In the evening, the street is transformed: hundreds of signs light up, a 3D display works on the tower, and during holiday periods everything is decorated with huge red lanterns and light installations.
Clock Tower
Above the building of the Beijing Department Store rises a clock tower with four huge dials — they can be seen from both ends of the street. These are the largest Omega clocks in Asia: the diameter of each dial is almost 8 meters, and the weight is 4 tons. The design repeats the iconic Constellation series with characteristic "claws" on the gold bezel. Every hour the tower strikes the Westminster chime — the same one that sounds at London`s Big Ben. In the evening, the dials are illuminated, and the tower becomes one of the most recognizable symbols of Wangfujing.
3D Screen on the Clock Tower
On the facade of the Beijing Department Store, right under the clock tower, a huge 3D screen operates — one of the most popular objects for filming on Wangfujing. Its dimensions are impressive: height 13.4 meters and length 46 meters, and thanks to the 90-degree bend, the image acquires depth without special glasses. The screen is built on 4K/8K technology with ultra-high brightness, so the picture remains clear even in daylight.
Most often, animations with pandas are shown on the screen — they either peek out from around the corner or lazily lie in flowers or on the moon, creating the full sensation that the animal is about to "jump out" onto the street. In the evening, when the illumination turns on and a crowd gathers around, this spectacle becomes one of the most atmospheric moments of a walk along the "Golden Street."
Fountain on Wangfujing Street
Right at the foot of the tower, a musical fountain operates. Jets shoot straight out of the ground, synchronously with the music changing height and shape. It is turned on in the second half of the day, closer to evening. Children and adults often run right into the jets to refresh themselves in the heat — this is not forbidden and has long become part of the local color. The best time to see both the tower and the fountain at the same time — after 15:00, when the illumination turns on and the street fills with evening atmosphere.
St. Joseph`s Cathedral
Among the modern buildings is lost the Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph, built in Romanesque style. This is one of the four main Catholic churches of Beijing. The cathedral is especially beautiful in evening illumination. Next to it, local pensioners often perform with amateur concerts — a heartfelt spectacle, though not too professional.
Shopping Centers on Wangfujing Street: Who Specializes in What
WF Central — luxury and "old money" aesthetics
The most prestigious shopping center on the street. Here are collected boutiques of international luxury brands, and the architecture of the interiors resembles an art gallery: sparkling showcases, elements of classic luxury, and accent bright red walls. On the roof, a panoramic view of the Forbidden City opens up — worth going up even if you are not buying anything.
Oriental Plaza — a giant for all categories
One of the largest shopping centers in Asia with an area of 120,000 square meters. Inside — several zones:
• Family zone with the Sunlight department store, oriented toward youth and fashion
• Modern zone with brands for a young audience and a large OMEGA store
• Luxury zone with Burberry, Dunhill, Givenchy, Moschino
• Sports zone with Adidas and Nike
Beijing APM — youth and trends
A shopping center oriented toward a young audience. Here are collected fashion brands, a huge selection of restaurants and cafes. If you are looking for something current and not too expensive — this is the place for you.
Beijing Department Store — history and versatility
The oldest department store on the street with a rich history and a wide assortment. Inside there is a thematic zone "Heping Guoju," recreating the atmosphere of old Beijing hutongs — an excellent place for photographs.
Traditional Brands
• Wangfujing is home to many "Chinese century-old brands":
• Sheng Xifu — famous for handmade hats
• Neiliansheng — traditional multi-layer cloth shoes
• Ruifuxiang — the renowned silk and fabric shop
• China Photo Studio — a historic photo studio
Food and Restaurants on Wangfujing Street
Quanjude Roast Duck
The legendary Peking duck restaurant right on Wangfujing. If you want to try the classic in a vintage atmosphere — be sure to drop by.
Snack Street on Wangfujing Street
A separate street with street food, where you can find everything: from lamb skewers and desserts to fried ice cream and exotics like scorpions on a stick. Even if you do not dare to try insects, there is an excellent atmosphere for people-watching and tasting local flavors.
Practical Information
• Opening hours: around the clock, no days off
• Best time for a visit: evening, when the illumination turns on and the street is especially photogenic
• Tip: wear comfortable shoes — the walk can stretch on for several hours
• Weekends: on weekdays there are fewer people than on weekends
• Currency exchange: at exit E of the metro station, a currency exchange point operates, accepting more than 40 types of currency
Why It`s Worth Coming
Wangfujing Street is not just an open-air shopping center. This is a place where you can feel the pulse of modern Beijing, see the contrast between old and new, try unusual food, and simply stroll along one of the brightest streets of the city. Even if you do not plan major purchases, an evening walk here is worth it.
