Dongmen: a shopper’s paradise. It is a vibrant area with a rich history. This market area in Shenzhen offers an experience unlike any other.
Dongmen has been operating for over 300 years. It has long been a popular shopping destination in Shenzhen. People also call it Laojie meaning old town. East Gate is another name for Dongmen.
Imagine the scene 300 years ago. Keen sellers are waiting to strike deals. Traditional marketplaces have character. Modern shopping complexes lack this soul. Dongmen embodies this traditional charm.
My first visit was memorable. I expected a simple pedestrian street. What I discovered was a shopping suburb. It spanned several blocks. Countless brand-name shops lined the streets. Multi-level malls added to the experience. Multi-level markets bustled with activity. Food streets tempted visitors with aromas. Ad-hoc stalls filled alleyways. Every nook and cranny had something to offer. Even three KFCs could not cover the shopping area of Dongmen.
As you wander through Dongmen you will see an array of goods. Market stalls overflow with clothes and shoes. Jewelry sparkles in display cases. Handbags and travel bags are stacked high. Traditional market stalls hide down alleyways. Multi-level wholesale malls offer endless choices. You may find a mall dedicated to shoes. Comic books also have their own dedicated space. Do not miss Hongkai Craft City. Modern multi-level malls such as Sun Plaza are here too. They feature popular chain stores.
Bargaining is essential at the market stalls in Dongmen. Check the quality first. You can find extremely cheap deals if you negotiate well. Prices are marked in the upscale malls. Sales often provide substantial discounts.
Feeling hungry? Dongmen offers diverse food options. Familiar chains like KFC and McDonald’s are available. Pizza Hut and Saizeriya also offer pizza and pasta. Starbucks provides a caffeine fix. Traditional food stalls offer local flavors. The Magic Dim Sum Restaurant is also nearby. For a quirky experience try the Modern Toilet Restaurant.
Crowds can be intense at Dongmen. Visit on weekdays if you prefer a more relaxed experience. Public holidays bring harmonious chaos.
Dongmen even boasts a historical claim. The first McDonald’s in Mainland China opened here in October 1990. Brass plaques commemorate this event. They also mark other firsts such as the first touch screen ordering system.
Dongmen offers a sensory overload of sights sounds and smells. Remember to bargain shop and sample the local cuisine. Dongmen is a must-visit destination in Shenzhen.