ghost street

Why is it called Ghost Street? We’re standing at the entrance of Guijie Street, a culinary paradise also known as Ghost Street. Let’s explore its spooky past and delicious present. Guijie Street wasn’t always about food. During the Qing Dynasty, two stories fueled its ghostly reputation. Dimly lit stalls with red lanterns created an eerie ambiance. The street’s proximity to Dongzhimen gate, used for transporting corpses and coffin shops, added to the spectral aura. In the 1980s, authorities tried to rebrand it as “Food Vessel Street.” They even installed a giant “簋” character, representing an ancient food container. Despite the official change, the nickname “Ghost Street” stuck. Today, Guijie Street is a 24-hour feast. Over 150 restaurants line the street. You can find everything from spicy Sichuan crayfish, a Ghost Street staple, to Peking roast duck at Hua’s Restaurant. Don’t forget to try zhajiangmian noodles, grilled seafood, and lamb hot pot. The average meal costs between 50 and 200 CNY. Guijie Street truly comes alive at night. Red lanterns glow, and the air fills with the aroma of delicious food. So, embrace the ghostly history. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Dive into a culinary adventure you won’t forget on Guijie Street, Beijing’s unforgettable food haven.