Ghost Street (Guijie) Beijing
Beijing's iconic Ghost Street, a dazzling neon-lit avenue famous for its vibrant nightlife and endless culinary delights, especially hot pot.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere
Ghost Street (Guijie) Beijing
Best Time
Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Beijing's iconic Ghost Street, a dazzling neon-lit avenue famous for its vibrant nightlife and endless culinary delights, especially hot pot.
"Experience Beijing's electric nightlife and foodie paradise on Ghost Street, where neon lights meet delicious hot pot!"
🎯 Embrace the Neon Glow
Visit after sunset to see Ghost Street in all its illuminated glory! :sparkles:
🥢 Hot Pot Heaven
Don't miss trying the authentic Beijing hot pot – it's a local favorite! :fire:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Neon-Lit Foodie Paradise
Experience Beijing's vibrant nightlife on this bustling street, famous for its dazzling neon signs and endless dining options.

Authentic Beijing Hot Pot
Indulge in a steaming, flavorful hot pot, a must-try culinary experience that Ghost Street is renowned for.

Exotic Snacks (for the Brave!)
Sample unique and adventurous street foods, though be aware some are geared more towards tourists.
Planning Your Visit
Nighttime Eats & Atmosphere
Navigating the Culinary Scene
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Neon Glow
Visit after sunset to see Ghost Street in all its illuminated glory! :sparkles:
🥢 Hot Pot Heaven
Don't miss trying the authentic Beijing hot pot – it's a local favorite! :fire:
7.5 Overnight Layover in Beijing (PEK); Visiting Ghost Street
Question: Heading to Beijing in August. I see a lot pictures and videos of tourists eating scorpions on a stick or seahorses or starfish. Do native Beijingers regularly eat this stuff, or is it now, at least partially, played up for tourists?
💰 Taxi Tips
Taxis are readily available, especially late at night. :taxi:
🦂 Touristy vs. Local
Exotic snacks like scorpions are mostly for tourists. Stick to local favorites! :bug:
8.5 hours night layover in Beijing... is it worth leaving the airport?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Neon Glow
Visit after sunset to see Ghost Street in all its illuminated glory! :sparkles:
🥢 Hot Pot Heaven
Don't miss trying the authentic Beijing hot pot – it's a local favorite! :fire:
💰 Taxi Tips
Taxis are readily available, especially late at night. :taxi:
🦂 Touristy vs. Local
Exotic snacks like scorpions are mostly for tourists. Stick to local favorites! :bug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ghost Street is celebrated for its electrifying nightlife and incredible culinary diversity, especially its famous hot pot. Visitors rave about the dazzling neon lights and the vibrant atmosphere. However, some find the exotic snacks to be overly touristy, and the crowds can be overwhelming during peak hours.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ghost Street is easily accessible by public transport. The closest subway station is Beixinqiao (Lines 5 and 10), which is within walking distance. Taxis are also readily available, especially from the airport or other parts of the city.
Yes, Ghost Street is very well-known and easily identifiable by its vibrant neon lights and bustling atmosphere, especially in the evening.
Absolutely! Taxis are readily available at PEK airport, even late at night. The journey to Ghost Street will take approximately 35-45 minutes depending on traffic.
If you have a layover at PEK airport, you can take the Airport Express train to Beixinqiao station, which is within walking distance of Ghost Street. This is a convenient option for those with a 24-hour visa-free transit.
Yes, the Beixinqiao subway station serves both Line 5 and Line 10, making it a convenient hub for reaching Ghost Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ghost Street is a public street and does not require any admission tickets to enter or explore. You only pay for the food and drinks you consume.
Ghost Street is a vibrant dining destination that truly comes alive in the evening and stays open late into the night. Most restaurants begin to open around 5 PM and many remain open until 2 AM or later.
There are no entrance fees for Ghost Street. It's a public thoroughfare filled with restaurants and shops, so you can wander freely.
While some establishments might be open during the day, Ghost Street is best experienced in the evening when its famous neon lights are on and the atmosphere is most lively.
Yes, with a 24-hour visa-free transit, you can definitely visit Ghost Street during a layover. It's a great way to experience Beijing's food scene.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The absolute must-try is Beijing hot pot! You'll also find a wide array of other delicious Chinese dishes, from spicy Sichuan cuisine to traditional Beijing specialties.
Yes, many of the more unusual snacks like scorpions and seahorses are primarily for tourist appeal and not commonly eaten by locals. It's best to stick to more traditional dishes for an authentic experience.
Ghost Street boasts an incredible variety of restaurants, with a strong emphasis on hot pot. You'll also find places serving everything from Peking duck to various regional Chinese cuisines.
While many restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes and hot pot broths, options might be more limited compared to meat-centric dishes. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff for vegetarian choices.
Prices can vary widely depending on the restaurant and what you order. A meal at a mid-range hot pot restaurant can cost around 100-200 RMB per person, while street snacks are much cheaper.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is after sunset when the street's iconic neon signs are fully illuminated, creating a vibrant and colorful spectacle.
The entire street is a photo opportunity! Focus on capturing the dazzling neon signs, the bustling crowds, and the steaming pots of food for dynamic shots.
Given the low light and vibrant colors, a camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Consider using a tripod for sharper images, especially if you want to capture light trails from vehicles.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or groups. However, capturing the general atmosphere of the street is perfectly fine.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for general visitors on Ghost Street. You are free to capture the sights and sounds of this lively area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the exotic snacks might be a point of curiosity, it's best to steer clear of them for younger children and focus on more familiar dishes. The bustling atmosphere can be exciting, but keep a close eye on children in crowded areas. Consider visiting slightly earlier in the evening before the peak crowds arrive to make the experience more comfortable.
✈️ Layover Travelers
Plan your visit strategically to maximize your time. Aim to arrive in the early evening to enjoy the full neon spectacle and have a meal before heading back to the airport. Taxis are readily available for your return journey, even late at night.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Ghost Street's Neon
This visual feast is more than just pretty lights; it signifies the street's transformation into Beijing's premier nightlife and dining destination. As dusk settles, the street comes alive with locals and tourists alike, all drawn by the promise of delicious food and a lively ambiance. The glow of the neon is synonymous with the culinary adventure that awaits.
Pro Tip: For the best photographic opportunities, visit on a clear night and experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the vibrant colors and light trails. The contrast between the bright lights and the night sky is particularly striking.
Culinary Adventures on Guijie
Beyond hot pot, the street offers a diverse range of Chinese cuisines. You can find everything from traditional Peking duck to spicy Sichuan dishes and regional specialties. While many exotic snacks like fried scorpions and starfish are available, these are largely geared towards tourists and not a staple for locals. For a more authentic taste of Beijing, focus on the well-established restaurants serving classic dishes.
Community Insight: Many travelers recommend diving into the hot pot experience as it's a quintessential part of dining on Ghost Street. Be adventurous but also discerning; look for busy restaurants with good reviews for the best culinary outcomes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit