Stretching from its southern entrance at Wangfujing Nankou to the Sun Dong An Plaza and St. Joseph’s Church, Wangfujing is Beijing’s most famous shopping street. Its name translates as "Prince’s Mansion Well" in reference to the aristocratic estates and royal residences that were built here following the discovery of a sweet water well during the Qing Dynasty.
Wangfujing is home to around 280 stores, including famous Beijing brands that include the Shengxifu Hat Store, long noted for their craftsmanship, and Tongshenghe Shoe Store, frequented by many Chinese celebrities. The Wangfujing Xinhua Bookstore, the Beijing Department Store and the Beijing Foreign Languages Bookstore are also located on the street. The Ruifuxiang Silk and Cotton Shop is a popular destination for visitors wanting to purchase top quality silk, including tailor-made traditional Chinese “cheongsam”. For local crafts, such as jade, agate, embroidery and carved lacquer, head to the immense Gongmei Mansion, or visit the Wuyutai Tea Shop which has been selling high-quality jasmine tea for more than 120 years. The Yong-an tang Herb Store is another of Wangfujing’s most established retailers, with rare Chinese medicines sold here since the Ming Dynasty, as is the Chinese Photo Studio which has taken the portraits of government leaders and wealthy families for generations. While there are upscale restaurants serving cuisine from across the globe, for authentic Chinese street food head to Wangfujing Snack Street, where food from every corner of the country can be sampled, including deep fried scorpion and tea soup. Once the sun goes down, don’t miss the Wangfujing Night Market near its northern entrance, set amidst a lively local atmosphere.
Wangfujing is easily accessed from the subway station of the same name, located at the intersection of Wangfujing Street and Chang'an Avenue. Today the street is largely pedestrianised and exploring on foot is the best option.
Wangfujing has been a vibrant commercial hub since the middle of the Ming Dynasty. It was previously named Morrison Street after the Australian adventurer and "The Times Peking" correspondent who was known for his collection of Chinese books.