Ghost Street (Guijie), Beijing - a busy city street at night with people walking on the sidewalk
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Ghost Street (Guijie) Beijing

4.6
·491k reviews·, China

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Ghost Street (Guijie), Beijing - a busy city street at night with people walking on the sidewalk

Ghost Street (Guijie) Beijing

Best Time

Evenings

Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience Beijing's electric nightlife and foodie paradise on Ghost Street, where neon lights meet delicious hot pot!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Neon-Lit Foodie Paradise

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

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!)

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

Ghost Street (Guijie) truly comes alive after dark, transforming into a vibrant culinary hub. Plan your visit for the evening to experience its full energetic charm and dazzling neon lights. It's the perfect spot for a late-night adventure.

Navigating the Culinary Scene

While Ghost Street is famous for its diverse food, some exotic options like scorpions are primarily for tourists. Focus on authentic Beijing cuisine and popular dishes like hot pot for a genuine local experience. Be prepared for bustling crowds.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Late Night
Why
Less crowded, still lively
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Foodies Assemble! Here is the most famous food street in Beijing! #Guijie #GhostStreet #Beijing #travel #Vlog #Foodie #hotpot
@shangguanjiewen
46.3K likes • 409.3K views

🎯 Embrace the Neon Glow

Visit after sunset to see Ghost Street in all its illuminated glory! :sparkles: TikTok

🥢 Hot Pot Heaven

Don't miss trying the authentic Beijing hot pot – it's a local favorite! :fire: TikTok

reddit.com

7.5 Overnight Layover in Beijing (PEK); Visiting Ghost Street

reddit.com

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: Reddit

🦂 Touristy vs. Local

Exotic snacks like scorpions are mostly for tourists. Stick to local favorites! :bug: Reddit

reddit.com

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: TikTok

🥢 Hot Pot Heaven

Don't miss trying the authentic Beijing hot pot – it's a local favorite! :fire: TikTok

💰 Taxi Tips

Taxis are readily available, especially late at night. :taxi: Reddit

🦂 Touristy vs. Local

Exotic snacks like scorpions are mostly for tourists. Stick to local favorites! :bug: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Vibrant neon lights
Delicious hot pot
Bustling atmosphere

What People Dislike

Exotic snacks for tourists
Crowded evenings

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. Reddit+1

Yes, Ghost Street is very well-known and easily identifiable by its vibrant neon lights and bustling atmosphere, especially in the evening. TikTok

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. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Yes, the Beixinqiao subway station serves both Line 5 and Line 10, making it a convenient hub for reaching Ghost Street. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

There are no entrance fees for Ghost Street. It's a public thoroughfare filled with restaurants and shops, so you can wander freely. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ghost Street offers a lively and engaging experience for families, especially in the evening. The dazzling neon lights are captivating for children, and the abundance of food options means there's likely something to please even picky eaters. Hot pot can be a fun, interactive meal for the whole family, allowing kids to participate in cooking their food. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

✈️ Layover Travelers

For those on a layover at Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) with a 24-hour visa-free transit, Ghost Street is an excellent option to experience Beijing's vibrant food scene. You can take the Airport Express train to Beixinqiao station, which is a short walk from the street. Reddit This allows you to have a delicious dinner and soak in the local atmosphere without venturing too far into the city. Reddit

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. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Ghost Street's Neon

Ghost Street, or Guijie, is famously known for its dazzling display of neon lights that illuminate the entire street after dark. This vibrant spectacle is a major draw for visitors, creating a unique and energetic atmosphere that's perfect for evening exploration. The sheer density of glowing signs, advertising countless restaurants and eateries, makes it a photographer's dream and an unforgettable sensory experience. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Culinary Adventures on Guijie

Ghost Street is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible array of culinary experiences. The undisputed star of Guijie is Beijing hot pot, with numerous restaurants specializing in this communal and delicious meal. Diners can choose from various broths and a wide selection of fresh ingredients to cook at their table, making for a fun and interactive dining experience. TikTok

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. Reddit For a more authentic taste of Beijing, focus on the well-established restaurants serving classic dishes. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

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