Street Vendors.
As diverse as the number of hutong configurations, the type and style of street vendors in greater Beijing is quite impressive. Selling clothing, food, accessories, games, toys, electronics, and other mass-produced goods from China’s booming industrial zones, the street vendors live to haggle.
One will often wander past a number of vendors selling accessories such as bracelets, hair-ties, headphones, rings, and similar knick-knacks laid out on a sheet. These vendors are not recognized by the city as official businesses, and thus consumers buy at their own risk, much as these vendors operate at theirs. The haggle is key here, as price mark-up is sharp, and the public atmosphere gives each vendor an opportunity to show-off their negotiating skills.
Clothing and high-end electronics may also be found occasionally at these street-side markets. Name-brand clothing is expected to be faked, and electronics may not be functional. Again, the flexible nature of these vendors' existence may have infected their exchange policy, so buyers should be extra wary.
In contrast, much of the food sold by street vendors is bought at a fixed price. The majority of such delectable snacks and other treats are delicious and will give the consumer a real taste of Chinese cuisine. Cart vendors are generally legitimate and thus fall under local health regulations. From these carts fresh fruit, chewy crepe-like delights (jian bing), sour and spicy noodles (suan la mian), and even ice cream and cotton candy can be purchased and enjoyed at any time of day. One Beijing specialty that is especially popular is ma la tang, an array of meats, vegetables, and tofu products on skewers cooked in a spicy broth. It’s been said that as much of 40 percent of the city lunches are consumed from carts like this. And the best part: it's a terrific bargain!
To sum it up: Enjoy the food, and leave the other goods for someone else.
Author: Kirsten Melby-Thompson