Hehua Market in Beijing

The Hehua Market (荷花市场), located on the western shore of Shichahai (什刹海) near Hehua Pond (荷花池) in Beijing, has been a popular summer destination for local citizens. The market features a variety of attractions, including an amusement area, a commercial market, and performances of traditional arts, such as Peking opera and folk music. The market first emerged in the 1920s and has been a central part of the area’s cultural life ever since. The market typically operates from the 5th day of the 5th lunar month after Dragon Boat Festival (端午节), continuing until August. Performances are held daily, beginning around noon and finishing before sunset.

Key Information

• Name: Hehua Market (荷花市场)

• Location: West shore of Shichahai (什刹海), Beijing

• Type: Seasonal Market

• Features: Food Stalls, Folk Performances, Traditional Arts

History

The origins of Hehua Market (荷花市场) date back to the late 1920s. It began as a seasonal market for entertainment and food, especially popular for selling fresh lotus flowers and iced desserts. As the market grew, it became an important cultural hub, where artists and performers could showcase their talents, including Peking Opera and traditional Chinese storytelling.

According to Shen Taimao‘s record in Spring Ming Folk Records (春明采风志), the market area at Shichahai (什刹海) in the Qing Dynasty was once abundant with lotus flowers. During the Tongzhi era (同治), a teahouse was established along the northern bank of Qianhai (前海), attracting locals and visitors. Over time, the teahouse turned into a restaurant, and other buildings were added, forming the heart of the market. The area became famous for its beautiful scenery, with lotus flowers blooming in the waters and willows hanging over the banks, making it a picturesque and serene place for gatherings.

By the late Qing Dynasty, Hehua Market was already described as a lively and vibrant scene, as noted in Tian Zhi Ou Wen (天咫偶闻), a record from that period:
“都人游踪，多集于什刹海，以其去市最近，故裙屐争趋。长夏夕阳，火伞初敛。柳阴水曲，团扇风前。几席纵横，茶瓜狼藉。玻璃十顷，卷卷溶溶。菡菡一枝，飘香冉冉。”

This passage vividly captures the charm and beauty of the market, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the peaceful, cultural richness of the past.

Decline and Revival

The market gradually faded away in the late 1930s, especially after the Nationalist Government (国民政府) relocated to Nanjing (南京), leading to a decline in cultural activities in Beijing. However, it began to revive in 1990, when the Beijing Municipal Government (北京市政府) rebuilt and reopened the market. The famous calligrapher Qi Gong (启功) wrote the nameplate for Hehua Market, which was prominently displayed at the entrance of Qianhai West Street (前海西街口). The market was then reestablished with various food stalls and traditional Chinese crafts. The food vendors offered deep-fried snacks, roasted meats, and other delicacies, creating a vibrant atmosphere, although this led to pollution in the area.

To preserve the environment around Shichahai (什刹海), the food stalls were removed, and the market was later converted into an antique market (古玩市场).

Market Highlights and Entertainment

Hehua Market (荷花市场) became known for offering a variety of food, such as fresh lotus pods, water chestnuts, and tender lotus roots, which were harvested directly from the lake. Visitors could also enjoy a wide range of Peking snacks and traditional delicacies. Performances of Peking Opera (京剧), Xiangsheng (相声, traditional Chinese comedy), and Beijing storytelling (说书) entertained audiences throughout the market’s operating hours, which lasted from late May to mid-August each year.

These performances were extremely popular among both locals and visitors, attracting a wide array of people, from officials and scholars to commoners and children. The market was known for its lively atmosphere, drawing people from all walks of life to enjoy the entertainment and partake in the community spirit.

Cultural Impact and Significance

During the Republic of China period (民国), Hehua Market (荷花市场) continued to be a vital part of Beijing’s cultural fabric, although it slowly began to decline with the migration of the government. In the 1933 publication “Old Capital Artifacts” (旧都文物略), it was recorded that the market was a lively place during the summer and autumn months, with willows lining the long dike (长堤) and teahouses offering entertainment to visitors. The market was renowned for its beauty and was a major cultural gathering spot in the city.

However, after the Nationalist Government’s move, the market gradually lost its prominence. It wasn’t until 1990 that the Beijing Municipal Government revived the market and transformed it into a new cultural and tourist attraction.

Today, Hehua Market (荷花市场) remains a place of cultural significance, offering both historical charm and modern appeal. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the area, walk along the shores of Shichahai (什刹海), and explore the antique market and cultural performances that continue to honor the traditions of this historic market. While the market’s original purpose has evolved, it still captures the essence of Beijing’s rich cultural heritage.