Morning markets, also called Zaoshi'e in Chinese, is a place
where people can get
real nice stuff at a competing price. The markets first appeared by
the north gate of Worker's Stadium and Xibianmen in the 1980s when
there were many laid off workers who needed something to do with
their days. Later they fanned out across the city and most stay
open from early morning to noon. At first, vendors sold only
vegetables, fruit and similar foods. Over time, the markets
attracted vendors peddling sea food, pots and bowls.
Why the markets are popular
The morning markets remain popular today, but their origins go
back to the 1980s.
At that time, there were many laid off workers who needed
something to do with their days. The markets first appeared by the
north gate of Worker's Stadium and Xibianmen, and then fanned out
across the city. Most stay open from early morning to noon.Morning
markets were set up on each street of each community in each
district. As of last year, the city has about 100 morning markets
located in its crowded residential areas. At first, vendors sold
only vegetables, fruit and similar foods. Over time, the markets
attracted vendors peddling sea food, pots and bowls.
The markets quickly grew popular with locals, and during summer,
vendors would come to provide snacks and hairdressing services.
Generally, making sales was not the order of the day.
The earliness of the morning markets is precisely why they
attract so many old people. Generally, the time the markets open is
exactly after when they finish their morning exercises. It is a
great way for old Beijingers to relax and gossip after morning
exercise.
Vegetables and fruits are cheaper than those sold in grocery
shops and supermarkets: that is because they are picked by the
vendors fresh from their own fields each morning. The markets are
also a place open to haggling. Many vendors will throw in some
extra produce as a bonus if shoppers buy a lot.
Aside from vegetables, fruits and other foods, most goods sold
are fairly low-end. Shoes can cost 2 yuan, and a suit of clothes
can run 10. Some products are fake or inferior quality, but most
people who visit morning markets care little about
authenticity-they care about price
What do residents think of morning markets?
You should call it Zaoshi'e! It is a typical Beijing experience
and I love it. I come here every morning to exercise and also to
buy cheep vegetables.
Ma Xiuqin, 55, retire
The fruits and vegetables here are really good. They are all
freshly picked by farmers, and if you buy a lot, they will often
give you a bonus. They are really nice people!
Zhu Quangui, 59, retired
I come here every day before I go to work. I buy breakfast here
and sometimes get fruit for my coworkers. They are really
cheap.
Shui Tuyuan, 28, editor
My home is on the same street as the Tuanjiehu morning market.
On weekends, the markets make me crazy. They start at 6 am or
earlier, and you can hear all the people bargaining and shouting
and their children crying. I can never sleep well on weekend
mornings.
Luo Xiaoxia, 25, advertisement copywriter
My grandparents get up at 5 am to go to the morning markets. I
don't know why they wake up so early to shop there everything the
market has is available in the supermarket, and it only costs an
extra two yuan. I don't know. Maybe they just like the
atmosphere.
(Beijing Today?January 24, 2008)
